A way to save your tooth
Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is the only means of saving a tooth in which the nerves and blood vessels within the tooth have been damaged or have died. The damage may have been caused by deep decay, a crack or trauma. If the tooth is not treated an abscess or infection may ensue, which can be painful and debilitating.
 

To give you the best treatment in the minimum time
Root canal treatment (and especially re-treatment) can be a complex and demanding procedure. Your dentist has decided that it is in your best interest to have your endodontic treatment carried out by an endodontist who has the particular expertise and equipment to carry out these procedures.
 

By cleaning the tooth from the inside
The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria and infected content of the root canals and to disinfect the inside of the tooth. Once this has been completed and the tooth is free of infection, the root canals are then filled and sealed with a temporary filling to prevent infection.
 

Losing the tooth, more discomfort
If root treatment is not done, then the tooth has to be extracted. Even though you may not have any symptoms at the time, failure to eradicate infection may lead to sudden formation of a painful abscess and/or spread of the infection which may be more difficult to treat and take longer to heal.
 

No, because local anesthetic is used
Local anesthetic is used at every stage of the procedure to ensure your comfort. Following treatment, the tooth may feel a little tender for a few days, but this can be normally controlled with the same medication that you might use for a headache. You will be advised of the need for medication at the end of the appointment. If you have any anxiety about treatment, nitrous oxide sedation is available, but charged for separately. It is completely safe and the effects are totally reversible after treatment.
 

Around one and a half hours for the first visit
This will vary according to the complexity of the root canals and any problems that are encountered. To achieve success it is important that the procedure is not rushed. For a back tooth a one and a half hour appointment is usually required on the first visit; further time required can be gauged at the end of this appointment. Often it is possible to complete treatment in one visit. It may be necessary to follow up on the treatment on a regular basis to monitor healing.
 

Very high, but there are no guarantees
With the use of a high-powered operating microscope and other modern techniques, root canal treatment and re-treatment has a high rate of success. It should however be remembered that it is impossible to guarantee the success of any medical procedure. Even with the best treatment, healing may not occur due to circumstances beyond the control of the dentist. Should this occur, further steps may be required to eradicate the infection.
 

This depends on the circumstances and the tooth involved
Treatment will weaken the tooth and it is essential that you return to your dentist so that the tooth can be properly restored. A crown or cap is often necessary on a back tooth and until it is fitted you should take care not to bite too hard on the tooth.