Root canal therapy (RCT) is a technique used when the internal part of the tooth, the pulp, has been irreversibly damaged. The usual cause of this is bacterial invasion of the pulp due to decay or trauma. When this occurs the pulp which is the blood and nerve supply, becomes infected and the long-term health of the tooth is compromised. This often results in a dental abscess which can be very painful and may cause swelling in the mouth and face. At Aquae Sulis Dental we use the most advanced techniques of RCT to treat this often distressing condition.

Root canal therapy is basically the systematic cleaning and filling of the pulp space enabling the tooth to be saved and remain useful in the mouth. Once root canal therapy is completed the tooth is restored. Often this is with a tooth coloured composite resin although it may require a crown due to the weakness of the remaining tooth structure.

Teeth treated with root canal therapy can remain in the mouth as long as a normal tooth, although as they have no feelings, they should be regularly inspected as part of the routine dental check-up to ensure that there is no decay as this will often be undetected by the patient.