What is endodontic (root canal) treatment?

The term endodontic is derived from the Greek words “endo” meaning from within, and “odont” meaning tooth.
Root canal treatment involves the removal of pulpal tissue from within the tooth, through cleaning and disinfection of the pulp space and then sealing the root canal space with a root filling.

Why do I need endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment becomes necessary when the pulp becomes infected. This may be due to decay within the tooth, or a crack, or a blow to the tooth, These events introduce bacteria from the mouth into the pulp and initiate infection.
Symptoms of pulpal inflammation resulting from this infection include pain to hot and cold and tenderness on biting. In some cased, the pain may be spontaneous and lead to sleep disturbance.
A swelling and tenderness of the adjacent gum may also occur. Some pulpal infections may not give any symptoms.

What does endodontic treatment involve?

Endodontic treatment involves the removal of the infected, inflamed pulp, thorough cleaning of the root canal system and then its three dimensional filling with gutta percha. Various specifically designed instruments are used for these procedures and all the work is carried out with the aid of an operating microscope to maximise visibility.

Why am I seeing an endodontist?

Your dentist has decided that there are aspects involved with the treatment of your tooth that require specialist care. An endodontist has postgraduate training and extensive experience in endodontology and is therefore an appropriate person to treat complex cases. It may be that your tooth has had previous endodontic treatment that has failed; in these cases an experienced endodontist with a comprehensive range of modern equipment may be essential in retreating the tooth, so that healing and resolution can occur.

Why has my previous endodontic treatment failed?

In the past our understanding of endodontic infections, our materials, equipment and techniques were not as good as they are today. Recent advances in endodontics have therefore greatly increased our success rates. The re-treatment of previously root filled teeth forms an increasingly large part of our practice today.

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Will it take a long time?

Endodontic treatment is complex and therefore treatment time can be lengthy. As a result of this, several appointments may be necessary to complete more complex cases.


Is it expensive?

The cost depends on the complexity of the treatment. Obviously, more complicated cases will attract a higher fee.
Endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth is less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted and the resulting space restored. Part of the pre-operative consultation is to decide whether the tooth concerned will be restorable following endodontic treatment. I will advise you and your dentist about this at the time I see you. I shall also write to you to confirm the cost of the treatment.

Will it hurt?

Great care is taken to make endodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. Modern techniques and anaesthetics, together with an unhurried approach, enable us to carry out treatment in a pain-free environment.


Will my endodontic treatment work?

Modern endodontics enjoy a very high success rate. However, because we are dealing with biological tissues and the mouth has such a high content of bacteria we cannot say that an endodontically treated tooth will never fail. In some cases, we are working with a tooth that has been damaged or weakened by decay, trauma or previous treatment. These teeth will require careful follow-up by myself or your dentist following endodontic treatment. We will always try to keep you informed during your treatment, of any potential future problems you may experience.

back to Gillian Boswell
BDS MSc MRD (Endo) RCS.