What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the saving of a tooth that is decayed and otherwise would die and have to be removed.
In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and decayed material are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special medicated dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Why is it Required?
Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realised is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment, if followed by placement of a crown, is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasions, a tooth will have to be re-treated due to new infections.
Signs and Symptoms for Possible Root Canal Treatment
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache or pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
Indications for Root Canal Treatment
- Decay that has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess that has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth such as a crack in the tooth
What does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, an access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria. If tooth decay is present. They may also be removed with special dental instruments. The pulp chamber is cleaned and disinfected and allowed to heal.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental material. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.
After the initial root canal appointment, there may be some discomfort for one or two days, but this will quickly improve.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.