ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root Canal Treatments (RCT), or endodontics, are performed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth, known as the pulp, is infected through tooth decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases your tooth could darken in colour could mean that the nerve of the tooth is dying or has died.

The pulp infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess, which is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If RCT is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted.

No. In most cases, local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. On rare occasions, the treatment can be carried out under intravenous sedation if you are anxious about dental treatment.

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.

RCT is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

Unlike in the past, modern dentistry techniques allow the treated tooth to appear natural and harmonious with the rest of your teeth. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.

RCTs are usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated. There is always a risk that the treatment may not be successful. The success of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment, the number of roots, the number of canals to be treated. 

The alternative procedure is to have the tooth extracted. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave the tooth in the mouth.

Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.