Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure designed to treat infection and decay at the centre of the tooth. The objective of this treatment is to save the tooth, while preventing the spread of infection. Since decay occurred on the inside of the tooth, the damaged pulp is removed from the center of the tooth. The root canal is then thoroughly cleaned of all bacteria. Finally, the tooth is re-filled with an artificial substance and sealed with a permanent filling.

 

While a lack of knowledge in local anaesthetics together with old techniques, materials and equipment historically made this procedure painful, general dental knowledge and techniques have since advanced. Through mastering local anaesthetics and using sophisticated equipment, the root canal procedure has become pain-free, has a much higher success rate, and is much easier to tolerate.