What is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)? 

Your teeth have ‘roots’ that anchor them into your jawbone. Inside each of your teeth there is a mixture of blood vessels and nerves called pulp. Pulp sits inside a space called the pulp chamber and this extends down into the roots of the tooth. The pulp chamber within the root is called the root canal. 

Do you need RCT?

If your tooth is damaged, bacteria can get inside it. This causes pain and swelling. If the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, this can spread. The aim of root canal treatment is to save the tooth by removing the damaged pulp and treating the infection.  

If an infection is not treated, it can spread further and cause an abscess. This can be painful, tender and can cause swelling around your tooth and jaw.