Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled. As the filled tooth has no pulp it has essentially died, which can lead to tooth discolouration. However, if this does happen, it can easily be aesthetically treated with a dental crown to improve appearance.

Most people report the procedure is no more painful that having a filling placed. We’ll make sure your tooth is numbed so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. There may be some tenderness afterwards but this should gradually get less over time.

The alternative is usually to have the tooth extracted. It is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible as missing teeth can cause future problems.

You should avoid biting on hard foods until your treatment is complete. After your final treatment, your restored tooth should no longer be painful, although it may feel sore for a few days, in which case you can take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort. Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste and remember to floss. Cut down on sugary snacks and keep them only to mealtime. See your dentist for regular check-ups and visit the hygienist.