Root Canal Therapy is a dental treatment which aims to save the "dead" or infected tooth in order to make it pain free and functional. This is usually done  over a number of visits. Root canal therapy is not always a painful experience as some may believe, Once local anaesthetic is given, the procedure is mostly pain free. Occasionally there may be some minor pain or tenderness after the treatment, this may be relieved by taking some analgesics.

What does it involve?

• The infected pulp is removed through an opening in the  tooth
• Following this, the root canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped so that the canals can later be filled.
• In between visits, some medications are used to help to kill the bacteria inside the canals and a temporary filling is placed  to cover the opening .
• Several X-rays may also be taken to determine the lengths and apices of the tooth canals
• The tooth canals will then be filled with some rubber material, usually Gutta percha. This seal will help to prevent bacteria from re-infect the canals.
• The final step involves restoring the tooth. Most of the time, a crown (cap) will be required to protect the tooth for long term, especially for back teeth (premolars and molars)

What causes the tooth to die or be infected?

• deep or aggressive tooth decay which reach down to the pulp (dental nerve area)
• deep fillings
• facial injury or trauma (e.g. blow to a tooth or jaw)

Can all teeth  be saved with root canal therapy

• Not all teeth  but the majority can be saved.  Teeth with vertical root fracture for example have a poor prognosis to treatment. 
• A few may not respond well even after treatment and may require further treatments or referral to specialists (endodontists).

How long does the tooth last after root canal treatment?

• The material used to seal the root canals may last for a lifetime.  A crown is usually recommended especially for posterior teeth after root canal therapy as the tooth tends to become more brittle and more likely to fracture. However regular dental check-ups and home care are also very important