Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
Root canal treatment removes infected pulp tissue and seals the canals, saving a badly decayed or injured tooth instead of extracting it.
Overview
Inside a tooth there are blood vessels and nerves. When decay, trauma or infection damages them, the area has to be cleaned, shaped and filled. That procedure — root canal treatment — lets the tooth carry on doing its job without nerves and vessels inside it.
For years root canal treatment had a fearsome reputation. New technology, new medication and specialisation in endodontics have made it no different from any other dental treatment.
Every tooth is its own case
The number of roots and the anatomy inside them differ from tooth to tooth. Front teeth usually have one root, upper premolars two, molars three or four — and within those roots the number of canals varies. A single-rooted lower incisor does not always have one canal, and molars can turn up extra ones. Every root canal treatment is therefore its own case.
Does it hurt?
After single-visit treatment on a vital tooth there is almost never any pain. On an infected tooth there may occasionally be a day or two of discomfort after the first visit; that too eases off from the second day.
Why the specialist and the restoration on top both matter
Any dentist may carry out root canal treatment after qualifying, but treatment by someone trained in it who uses the right technical equipment gives a sounder result. The aim of good root canal treatment and a good restoration on top is for the tooth to stay in the mouth for life.
If the filling or crown placed afterwards is not done well, leakage develops over time between tooth and restoration and the tooth can give trouble again. Good root canal treatment must be completed by good work on top. To prevent leakage: brush thoroughly, clean between the teeth with floss, use mouthwash as a supplement, see your dentist every six months, and have the filling or crown checked after five years.
Why root canal treatment is worth it
- The tooth is saved rather than extracted and carries on doing its job.
- On a vital tooth, treatment is usually completed in one visit of 20 to 60 minutes.
- Thanks to new technology and medication, there is almost never any pain afterwards.
- With a good restoration on top, the aim is for the tooth to last a lifetime.
Ready to start?
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