If the nerves and blood vessels of a tooth have been irreparably damaged, rather than extracting the tooth,
a dentist may attempt to save it by undertaking root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment typically requires a series of appointments. At the first appointment, the dentist
will drill a small hole through the top of the tooth,
and remove the infected pulp tissue. The pulp chamber
and the root canals are then cleaned out and sterilised to remove all of the bacteria and infection products.

If there is an abscess, then the dentist may place a temporary seal on the tooth, provide you with antibiotics and schedule a follow-up appointment.

During the next appointment, the dentist will use small instruments to clean any remaining bacteria and widen the canals of the tooth and prepare them for the final stage of the root canal treatment. Finally the canals are filled and obturated with a plastic material and sealant cement.

If a dentist suggests root canal treatment, then it is important to have the tooth treated as soon as possible. An infection that is allowed to continue, will likely result in the formation of an abscess.This will lead to the destruction of the underlying bone tissue and may make it impossible to save the tooth. In addition, the infection can spread to the adjacent teeth and could result in blood poisoning, fever, facial and neck swelling and a general feeling of unwell.

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