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Root canal treatment (or therapy) in London is performed when dental caries (tooth decay) extends in very close proximity and/or into to pulp of the tooth. The pulp of the tooth is composed of nerves, a blood supply, connective tissue, etc., and when the bacteria or their end-products come into contact with these, the tooth begins to die and the result is usually pain, bone loss, tooth loss, loss of attachment of the tooth to the bone, or combinations of these aforementioned events. During a root canal procedure, the dentist or endodontist (i.e., root canal specialist) will anesthetize the tooth or area of the mouth involved, will place a rubber dam to isolate the area, and will then drill an access opening through the enamel and dentin, and into the pulp tissue. The pulp and other infected areas (i.e., the tooth dentin) are then removed from the root canal chamber and the tooth roots using drills and hand files, and then these areas of the tooth are sterilized using chemical solutions. The inside of the tooth is then thoroughly dried using paper points, and root canal filling material is then placed inside the roots and chamber to keep bacteria from penetrating into the tooth pulp. This also prevents the spread of the infection to adjacent teeth. Usually an antibiotic is prescribed, and the infection is neutralized and healing begins. The toothache is usually relieved within twenty four hours, and at time pain medication may be required. Since the tooth is now dried out, more brittle, and broken down quite a bit, a crown is placed on the tooth.