ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

What is a root canal treatment?

The blood or nerve supply of the tooth (pulp) can become infected, usually through decay or injury. Root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) is needed when it happens. In the early stage of the infection people may not feel any pain but it can also be very painful when infected. In some cases the tooth could darken in colour which means that the nerve of the tooth is dying or died. This would also need root canal treatment.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

When the pulp is infected, the infection might spread through the root canal system of the tooth and it is also risky to have any infection in the body for a long time. The pulp infection can lead to an abscess which can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptom of an abscess can range from dull ache to severe pain and the tooth can be sensitive when you bite. When the tooth left infected for a long time and root canal treatment is not carried out, it may need to be taken out.
Root canal treatment is not painful, it is similar to the procedure of an ordinatry tooth filling.

Some indications that a tooth may need a root canal are:

●  Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure

●  Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been

    removed)

●  Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth

●  Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums

●  A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

The process

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. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

Aftercare

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled. Root canal treatment is usually very successful, however, if the infection comes back, the treatment has to be repeated. Root canal filled tooth is always much more brittle, as it is a dead tooth, it sometimes needs to be crowned to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste.