Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. A modern root canal treatment is nothing like those old sayings! It’s very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments under local anesthetic.
Appointments take 1-2 hours duration and are about 2 to 3 weeks apart
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages: efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensation, natural appearance, and it protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain.
Generally, a root-filled tooth will need a crown as it typically has a higher risk of fracture due to the tooth being weaker as a result of a considerable loss of tooth structure to allow access to the roots.