Root canal treatments
A root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged. This treatment is an effective way of preserving a natural tooth and avoid having it extracted.
When is a root canal treatment needed?
- Deep cavities
- Cracked tooth or damaged fillings
- Broken tooth
- Damaged pulp due to previous or recent trauma
Tooth and gum pain can be the main signs of an infected pulp. Toothaches may be acute, sharp or throbbing pain, or be felt only when there is a change in temperature. Other symptoms of infection include swollen gums, inability to use the affected tooth or discoloration.
When left untreated, an abscess may form. This may or may not cause pain and swelling.
What are the advantages of preserving a natural tooth?
- Maintain your ability to chew properly
- Keep the tooth’s appearance and function
- Prevent the complications of infection (bad breath, abscess, pain)
- Protect adjoining teeth from excessive wear and use
What does a root canal treatment involve?
An endodontic treatment is a common procedure that millions of people undergo each year. Thanks to modern dentistry, it is practically painless.
Simply put, the procedure consists of cleaning, sculpting and filling the internal canals in a tooth.
Alleviating pain, step by step:
- Local anaesthesia and installation of a barrier (rubber dam)
- Creation of a small opening to access the canals
- Removal of the damaged pulp, and cleaning and disinfection of the canal
- Replacement of the nerve tissue using biocompatible synthetic material (to fill the canals)
- Temporary restoration of the opening in the tooth
After a root canal treatment:
You may experience sensitivity for a few days, especially when chewing
- Avoid hard foods until the treated tooth has been permanently restored by your own dentist.
If you experience swelling or unexplained pain, or if you have any questions or concerns, during or after treatment, please call us.
Root canal treatments are generally very successful. You should recover your ability to chew and will be able to use the treated tooth just like you would with a natural tooth.