ROOT CANAL TREATMENT – WHAT IS IT?
Root Canal Treatment also known as RCT or ENDO (endodontic therapy) involves the disinfection of the nerve canal inside your tooth. Often you will know that your tooth requires treatment because it is VERY painful. Root canal treatment symptoms include:
- Swollen face
- Swollen gum area where tooth is dying
- Pain, which can be quite extreme
- Pimple like area on gum
- Sensitive or sore due to hot or cold temperatures
- Sensitive or sore due to pressure, especially tapping or biting
Nerves inside your teeth are very delicate structures and can die off through no fault of yours. The causes of a tooth dying include:
- Breakdown of filling or crown
- Trauma
- A deep cavity
- Gum disease
- Crack or chip in the tooth
- Extreme wear
- Extensive dental work on the tooth
OUR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT AND PROCEDURE
Your first appointment will consist of an x-ray. This will confirm which tooth is infected, and determine if there is an infection forming at the tip of your tooth’s root. If you require a root canal treatment, then you will need two to three (depending on how many canals your tooth has) appointments (of 1 to 1½ hours duration) to complete your treatment.
During your root canal treatment, we will use fine files to shape and clean the canals of your tooth (as per the picture below). This removes any of the remaining infected pulp. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicines are then put inside the canal to stop the infection and inflammation. This process is repeated over two to three visits. X-rays throughout your treatment will confirm the length of your canals and that all of the infection has reduced and begun to heal.
On your final visit, to protect the inside of the tooth and prevent any further infection, the canal is packed with gutta-percha (a natural product made from sterilised tree sap). Your tooth will then have a temporary filling placed on top and left for a few weeks to settle. Once we confirm that you have no further problems with your tooth we will either suggest a basic filling, a crown, or an inlay-only to complete your treatment.
WHY HAVE A ROOT CANAL?
- As infected teeth can be quite painful, and can cause swelling, inflammation and fever, root canal treatment can alleviate all this pain, ensuring that you can eat and drink normally.
- Root canal treatment prevents re-occurring infections from bacteria that may be lingering in your tooth’s pulp chamber.
- If an infected tooth is left untreated, an abscess can form, which may lead to bone loss and affect surrounding healthy teeth.