Decay or injury can damage the living nerve tissue (pulp) inside a tooth. Teeth damaged in this way are prone to infection, leading to an abscess and toothache.

Root canal treatment means removing damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left. The remaining tooth can then be repaired.

What are the benefits?

• Damage to the nerve of a tooth can cause toothache but the pain will usually stop very quickly when the root canal is cleaned out.
• Without a root filling, a tooth with a dead pulp would probably have to be taken out eventually. There is also the possibility of infection spreading beyond the tooth itself.
• Root-fillings are usually successful and can last many years. In the case of very badly damaged teeth they are essential to provide a firm foundation for cosmetic crowns and veneers.