Root canal treatment is carried out if the nerve in the centre of your tooth is damaged by injury or infection. It is unable to heal itself and if left untreated your tooth may have to be removed.

Your dentist will need to take an x-ray to assess the suitability of your tooth for a root filling. If the treatment is possible, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic and clean the centre of the tooth which may take two or more appointments to complete. The centre of the tooth will be filled, and a filling will be necessary to secure the tooth. A crown is normally recommended following treatment to protect the tooth from further damage.

If your root canal treatment is particularly complicated, you may be offered a referral to a dentist who specialises in root canal treatments (an endodontist).