A root filling is a filling placed inside the root canal of the tooth. A root filling may be necessary if the nerve inside the tooth dies. This may be caused by dental injury or tooth decay penetrating the nerve. An abscess may develop.
What happens?
your dentist may take an X-ray to decide whether the tooth can be saved – a number of visits may be required
local anaesthetic may be used to numb the tooth
the inside of the root is filed to clean out the root canal and may be dressed with antiseptic
another X-ray may be taken to measure the root’s length
if the infection is removed, your dentist may fill the root canal at this appointment or at a subsequent visit
a large filling or crown may be required at a later date
root-treated teeth are more brittle than normal, and may also discolour over time
What should I do?
attend your dentist regularly – the filled tooth requires careful monitoring
