Root canal treatment also known as Endodontic treatment is a type of dental procedure used to repair, relieve toothache and in most cases save a tooth that has been badly decayed, has become infected or fractured. During the process, the infected nerve (pulp tissue) is removed, the inside of the tooth and roots cleaned, disinfected and eventually sealed. A composite restoration is used to fill the cavity coronally.

The tooth tends to become fragile post operatively so a crown restoration is often recommended following Endodontics to prevent future fractures.

Without treatment the tissues surrounding the tooth will be affected, the bone will become infected and an abscess develop. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed alongside root canal treatment if necessary.

Depending on the number of root canals the cost varies from £450 to £800 including the final filling and x-rays.

Despite root canal treatment a tooth can still become reinfected. Teeth that have been endodontically treated tend to be more fragile and may also be prone to fracture, root resorption may also occur at some point in the future.