Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth.

Root canal treatment is not painful and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.

The infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal) is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth.

This can happen after:

• tooth decay
• leaky fillings
• damage to teeth as a result of trauma, such as a fall