Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
Root canal treatment, also called ‘endodontics’ is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth, called the ‘pulp’ is infected through decay or injury. Your dentist may take an x-ray of your tooth prior to starting treatment. This allows them to build up a clear picture of the root canal and assess the extent of any damage. Usually carried out under local anaesthetic, a painkilling medicine that numbs your infected tooth and the gum around it. In some cases where the tooth has died and is no longer sensitive, it may not be necessary to use a local anaesthetic. Long-term benefits of root canal treatment include:
It prevents the spread of infection to adjoining teeth
Virtually pain-free procedure
Extractions can be avoided, and the tooth can be “saved”
Visually appealing result
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How Root Canal Treatment is Done?
Root canal treatment is carried out using a rubber sheet (dam) around the tooth to ensure the tooth is kept dry during treatment, so there is no contamination from saliva. The dam also prevents you swallowing or breathing in any chemicals the dentist uses. Your dentist will open your tooth through the top of the tooth also known as the crown, to access the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth (pulp). They will then remove any infected pulp that remains.
If you have a dental abscess, which is a pus-filled swelling, your dentist will be able to drain it at the same time. After the pulp has been removed, your dentist will clean the root canal using files, these slowly enlarge the canal where the nerve was, making it easier to fill. The files used to enlarge the canals make them a regular shape so they can be filled. The treatment can take several visits.
How Root Canal Treatment is Done?
Your front incisor and canine teeth (biting teeth) usually have a single root containing one root canal. The premolars and back molar teeth (chewing teeth) have two or three roots, each containing either one or two root canals. The more roots a tooth has, the longer the treatment can take to complete. On your final visit any temporary filling and medicine within the tooth is removed and the root canal filling will be inserted. This, along with a filling, seals the tooth and prevents reinfection.
Root-filled teeth are more likely to break than healthy unrestored teeth, so your dentist may suggest placing a crown on the tooth to protect it. In some cases a root-filled tooth may darken, particularly if it’s died as a result of injury like a knock to the tooth. There are ways of treating this and your dentist will discuss your options with you.
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