Root canal treatment can save an infected tooth from needing to be extracted. By taking the infected pulp from the tooth, we can keep the tooth and stop the infection in its tracks.
A tooth can become infected through decay, a deep filling or through trauma. Symptoms tend to include pain, sensitivity to temperature, discolouration, tender gums or swelling. If you suspect that you have an infected tooth, book in an appointment with your dentist. It’s important that you don’t leave it. If the infection spreads, we may lose our chance to save the tooth.
Why should you have root canal treatment?
- Can save an infected tooth from extraction
- Removes a source of infection that could spread to other areas
- Prevents further problems that could be caused by losing a tooth
- Can relieve toothache
- Less expensive than replacing a lost tooth
What does the treatment involve?
Root canal therapy usually requires several appointments, the number will depend on which type of tooth is being treated. Between appointments, the tooth will be covered and temporarily restored.
- An x-ray will be taken to check the root canals and see if there are any other signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
- A rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep it dry. The infected pulp is removed under a local anaesthetic (if necessary) and root canals are flushed with an anti-bacterial solution.
- The canals are shaped with tiny instruments and washed again to remove any debris.
- The freshly cleaned root canals are then filled with a rubber compound to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.
- If the tooth being treated is one of your front teeth, we can bleach the tooth using internal whitening.
- Front teeth normally only require fillings however if very broken down, a crown is necessary. Back teeth usually need an onlay or a crown, only in rare circumstances is a filling needed.
Although root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, the procedure should be no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling.
Looking after your treated tooth
If looked after properly, with regular brushing and flossing, your root canal treated tooth should stay trouble-free and provide a long-lasting repair. Even though the pulp has been removed, the tooth will stay intact because the canals have been sealed to prevent re-infection. Regular check-ups are also recommended so any problems can be detected early.
