# Root Canal Treatment

> Citation bundle for Root Canal Treatment on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/root-canal-treatment
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/root-canal-treatment

- Category: dental

## Description

Root canal treatment is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth--an abscess--that is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. It is generally done when the cavity is too big for a normal filling.

## Overview

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth — an abscess — that aims to eliminate the infection and protect the decontaminated tooth from further microbial invasion. It is generally carried out when decay is too extensive for an ordinary filling. Inside every tooth are hollow spaces — the root canals and the connected pulp chamber — that naturally contain nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cells. In endodontic therapy these structures are removed and the hollows are disinfected and then shaped, cleaned and decontaminated using small files and irrigating solutions. Once the canals are clean, they are sealed by obturation (filling), typically with an inert material such as gutta-percha together with a zinc oxide eugenol-based cement; in some procedures epoxy resin is used to bind the gutta-percha. The overall goal is to remove infected tissue while preserving a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Endodontics covers both primary and secondary (repeat) root canal treatments, as well as periradicular surgery, which is generally reserved for teeth that still have potential to be saved. Careful cleaning and shaping of the canal system is central to the treatment, and the narrowness, curvature, length, calcification and number of a tooth's roots all influence how challenging the procedure is.

## Common risks

- Separation (fracture) of an endodontic file, leaving a segment inside the canal
- Incompletely cleaned canals, which can leave infection behind
- Sodium hypochlorite irrigant accident, causing severe pain, swelling and bruising

## FAQs

### What root canal treatment is for?

Root canal treatment may be recommended if you've got tooth pain caused by an infected tooth.

### How to get root canal treatment?

You can get root canal treatment from an NHS or private dentist. Sometimes you may see a root canal specialist called an endodontist.

### How root canal treatment is done?

Before having root canal treatment, you'll usually be given a [local anaesthetic](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/local-anaesthesia/), so you'll be awake but will not feel any pain.

### What causes tooth disorders?

The causes of tooth disorders varies, depending on the problem. Sometimes the cause is not taking good care of your teeth. In other cases, you may have been born with the problem or the cause is an accident.

### How are tooth disorders diagnosed?

Your dentist will ask about your symptoms, look at your teeth, and probe them with dental instruments. In some cases, you may need dental x-rays.