Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment/Therapy (Also called Endodontics) is needed when the nerve or blood supply of a tooth (known as the pulp) is infected as a result of tooth decay or injury.

Reasons for Root canal Treatment

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread throughout the root canal system of the tooth. This eventually leads to formation of an abscess.

If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out (extracted).

What Root Canal Treatment (RCT) Involves

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.

During treatment a local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

However, after the procedure post-operative discomfort should be expected in some cases.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. A course of treatment will involve at least one long visit to the surgery.

At this appointment the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses (which may be present) can be drained at this time. Antibiotic therapy may also be indicated. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling.

(A temporary filling is sometimes put into the tooth to allow it to settle).

When all the infection has been cleared, the tooth is then filled permanently.

Appearance

A root filled tooth will often darken after treatment, with modern techniques the discolored tooth can have it's natural appearance restored using cosmetic veneers or crowns.

RCT is often successful the first time it is carried out. However, subsequent re-root treatments are less likely to succeed.

RCT can take some hours to perform successfully and subsequently costs more than a standard restoration or filling.

Alternative treatment

The alternative to RCT is to have the tooth extracted. Once the pulp is destroyed, it cannot heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

Subsequent treatment

It is usually best to restore the tooth in the future with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth. This can also improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.

A root treated tooth should be cared for like any other tooth.

Teeth should be cleaned twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Regular dental examinations are advised. More complex restorations like root fillings and crowns require even more careful maintenance and monitoring.

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