Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure to treat infection within a tooth, specifically the pulp, by removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. This procedure aims to save the tooth and avoid the need for extraction. 

• What it is:

Root canal treatment is a way to treat a tooth that has been infected or damaged, often due to a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or other issues. The pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed, the goal of root canal treatment is to remove this infected pulp and seal the tooth to prevent further infection. 

• Why it's done:

The main reason for root canal treatment is to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. It can also be used to treat pain and infection associated with a badly injured tooth. 

• The procedure:
• Local anesthesia: The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. 
• Pulp removal: The dentist will access the pulp chamber, which is the central cavity of the tooth, and remove the infected pulp. 
• Cleaning and shaping: The root canals, which are the passages within the tooth's roots, are cleaned and shaped to ensure they can be filled. 
• Filling and sealing: The root canals are filled with a material called gutta-percha, and then a sealant is used to prevent any future infection. 
• Restoration: Depending on the extent of the damage, the tooth may need a crown or another restoration to protect it and prevent further issues. In back teeth a crown is usually recommended to prevent vertical fracture of the tooth.

Root canal treatment is usually not painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and patients may experience some mild tenderness or sensitivity after the procedure, but this is temporary. 

• Success rate:

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with around 8 out of 10 treated teeth surviving for 8 to 10 years.  

•  Alternatives:If root canal treatment isn't an option, a tooth may need to be extracted or replaced with a bridge, implant, or partial denture
• cost - Root canal can often be provided under the health service and comes under band 2. In some cases where the tooth is very difficult to treat you may need to be refferred. There are services within the health service that may accept the case although the waiting times for this are long or you can choose to be referred privately, costs for this can vary from around £600 to £1000 depending on complexity of the tooth.