Tooth decay can extend deeper into the tooth and penetrate the dental pulp which contains nerves and blood vessels. The nerves in the pulp chamber within the tooth are supplied by nerves and blood vessels within root canals which have a communication with the rest of the body through the supply to the head through the jaw bones.

The ingress of bacteria into this delicate pulp area of the tooth can lead to infection of the pulp and therefore inflammation known as pulpitis.

Irreversible pulpitis can lead to an abscess and intense pain as the nerve is infected.

The treatment for this condition is by way of root canal therapy which involves the removal of nerves, blood supply and infected tooth material containing bacteria within the canals and pulp chamber. The canals are then filled with an inert synthetic material to replace the lost dental tissue. This process eliminates pain, infection and promotes the longer lifespan of the tooth.

This treatment is carried out in teeth that have symptoms of pulpitis and also in teeth that have been previously root filled but show signs of root infection. Root canal therapy can be carried out in one or two visits.