Should the inside of the tooth become
infected, a technique is available to save the tooth rather than have it
removed. During root canal treatment, the infected pulp (tissue within the
tooth containing the nerve and blood supply) is cleaned out and the canal is
disinfected. The void is then filled to seal it and a filling is placed over
the top. Ideally, a crown or other protective restorations such as an onlay, should later be completed to further strengthen the
tooth.
Root canal treatment is performed under
local anaesthesia over one to three visits. The Unit is fortunate enough to have
an Endodontist on site, and most patients requiring root fillings are managed
by her.