Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy refers to the process by which a dentist treats the inner aspects of a tooth, specifically that area inside a tooth that is occupied by its "pulp tissue." Most people would probably refer to a tooth's pulp tissue as its "nerve." If your nerve dies off or if you get an "abscess" a root filling becomes an option (or an extraction!).

Initially access to the nerve is gained, this is usually done with a dental drill. Next the bacteria, dead nerve tissue and other irritants are removed.

This is done with a combination of files which may be hand held or machine held and various disinfectants to clean and sterilise your tooth.

Following this cleaning the space occupied by the nerve is filled with a cement and gutta percha combination. Your dentist may wish to place a crown over the tooth after this is completed.