Root canal treatment may be required when the nerve, or pulp, inside a tooth becomes infected or dies, often as a result of deep decay, trauma or damage to the tooth.
During treatment, the infected or damaged tissue is removed from inside the tooth and the root canals are carefully cleaned and disinfected. A dressing may be placed inside the tooth between appointments before the canals are permanently filled and sealed.
Root canal treatment generally takes two to three appointments, and local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during treatment.