Root canal treatment also known as endodontic treatment  addresses infection or damage inside the pulp of a tooth: the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels at the tooth's core. This can happen as a result of deep decay, a crack or fracture, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma from an injury.

Left untreated, an infected pulp can lead to a painful abscess, spreading infection, and eventually loss of the tooth. Root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the space inside the tooth, then fills and seals it, stopping the infection in its tracks and allowing the tooth to function normally again.

Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a specific tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gum, or discharge from the area
• Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
• Facial swelling
• Persistent or throbbing toothache, though in some cases there may be no obvious pain at all



If you notice any of these signs, it's worth booking an appointment promptly, the earlier an infected tooth is treated, the better the outcome tends to be.