What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. This infection may spread through the root canal system, which could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Reasons For Root Canal Therapy:
-
Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
-
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
-
Injury or trauma to the tooth.
​
The procedure has a bad reputation as being painful and uncomfortable, but this is not always the case. Modern technology and experienced dentists can make the procedure more comfortable for the patient.
Our consultants can perform root canal treatment to stop the infection from spreading and will preserve as much of your tooth as possible. Using specific techniques and advanced equipment, you will receive a local anaesthetic and the treatment overall should feel no different to having an ordinary filling placed. 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. 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. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits.
To keep your mouth in tip top shape we recommend you come in for regular hygiene appointments and dental check-ups.
Root canal treatment involves clearing the infection from the tooth with special files. The space inside the root is then cleaned and filled to prevent further infection. It is common to place a crown on top of the tooth at the end of the procedure, to provide extra strength. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so should be pain-free, and will require one or two visits to the practice.