Root Canal Treatment is the treatment of choice when the infection or damage of the tooth structure that has extended into the pulp chamber. Once the nerve bundle inside the pulp chamber has been damaged, it is very likely irreversible. The infective nerve has to be removed and the root canal system thoroughly cleaned before restoring the function of tooth. Our root canal system can be complex and treatment can be complicated which will required sophisticated instrument & equipment (endodontic microscope, x-ray…etc).

Root canal treatment will often required multiple treatment sessions and consist of 2 stages:

1. Cleaning & Shaping – Infected nerve inside tooth removed under local anaesthesia. All root canals will be cleaned and disinfected. Subsequently, all the root canals will be shaped to prepare for root canal fillings. Medication will be placed inside canals to ensure elimination of all bacteria.

2. Root canal filling - A rubbery filling material will be inserted to seal all root canals to prevent re-entry of bacteria from mouth. Root canal filling will only be done when  all the signs and symptoms of the tooth have subsided. Multiple x-rays of tooth under treatment will be taken for diagnostic purposes and monitor tooth condition after completion of treatment.

Upon completion of root canal treatment, the tooth will be symptom-free after the infection has been eliminated. Depending on the damage of the tooth structure, the tooth may required further treatment (post-core and crown) to restore its full function and aesthetic look.

Not all root canal treatment has to be done by a root canal specialist (endodontist). Endodontists usually handle the more complex cases like S-shape curve root canal, root canal retreatment, retrieving separated instruments etc. In most of the cases, a general dental practitioner should be able to perform root canal treatment with high success rate.