ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment is the process where inflamed or dead pulp (internal soft tissue) is removed from inside a tooth, in order that the tooth can continue to function without pain. The only alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction.
What Is Important To Know About Root Canal Treatment?
- Root Canal Treatment is also called ‘Endodontics’ or ‘Root Canal Therapy’: you may even hear dental staff refer to it as ‘R.C.T’;
- People sometimes wonder how a ‘dead tooth’ can still be useful. The dental pulp (the soft tissue inside a tooth) can be removed once a tooth is fully formed because the main role of this tissue is to make the tooth grow and harden. The tissues holding the tooth into the bone socket remain alive and healthy even after the internal tissue has been removed;
- Root canal treatment usually takes several appointments to complete, because the inside of the tooth must be shaped, cleaned and sterilised before being filled;&
- A rubber dam (soft and flexible rubber sheet) is used to isolate the tooth during treatment: this reduces the risk of re-infection, and prevents unpleasant-tasting medications and small instruments from falling into the patient’s mouth.
The Procedure
- The tooth is numbed and isolated with a rubber dam;
- An opening is made through the tooth’s crown into the centre of the tooth into natural hollows called the pulp chamber and root canals. These are often very complicated in shape. This is where the dental pulp resides;
- The pulp is removed, along with any debris and infected tissue;
- The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and gently shaped so that they can be easily filled;
- The canals and chamber are often initially filled with antibiotic-type medications. The medications are sealed into the tooth using a temporary filling;
- Oral antibiotics may be prescribed after the first appointment;
- The medications inside the tooth may need to be replaced at least once to achieve sterility of the root canals;
- Once the root canals are clean and sterile, they will be filled with a specialised material that forms a void-free seal inside the tooth;
- A series of x-rays will be taken over the course of the treatment to assist the dentist to provide the highest level of care;&
- Finally, the top of the tooth will need a permanent restoration. Sometimes this will be a filling, but very often a crown is recommended to improve the strength of the tooth and to make it last longer.
Root Canal Treatment at DAD’S CLINIC
All cases requiring Root Canal Treatment can be treated in our practice. More Information About Root Canal Treatment Root Canal Treatment is often perceived as being very painful: most often, the abscess on the tooth is the cause of great pain and is what causes the patient to seek treatment. Once the tooth is anaesthetised (numbed), root canal treatment usually feels similar to having a dental filling.
