Every root canal treatment is unique from person to person and occasionally the treatment can be deemed quite complex due to the unique nature of the tooth’s anatomy. In situations such as this, the dentist will discuss the option of a referral to an Endodontic specialist to carry out the treatment to the highest standard to ensure the best possible outcome.Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth.
- The centre of the tooth (pulp) can become infected with bacteria because of an injury or because of a severe, untreated cavity. Without treatment, the infection can become severe enough that the tooth has to be removed.
- The pulp will begin to die if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to then multiply and spread.
The symptoms of a pulp infection include
- Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink, or when biting or chewing
- A loose tooth
As the infection progresses, these symptoms often disappear as the pulp dies. Your tooth then appears to have healed, but the infection has in fact spread through the root canal system.You may eventually get further symptoms such as pain when chewing, swelling of the gum near the affected tooth (abscess), facial swelling, or the tooth becoming a darker colour.
Treating the infection
The bacteria needs to be removed.This can be done by either removing the root canal treatment or by extracting the tooth. However, the latter is not usually recommended as it is better to keep as many of your teeth as possible. After the bacteria have been removed, the root canal is filled and the tooth sealed with a filling or crown.In most cases the inflamed tissue near the tooth will heal naturally.
Root Canal Treatment process
- Before having root canal treatment, you’ll usually be given local anaesthetic. This means the procedure should be painless.
- Root canal treatment is usually successful. In about 9 out of 10 cases a tooth can survive for up to 10 years after root canal treatment.
- Every root canal treatment is unique and occasionally the treatment can be deemed quite complex due to the unique nature of the tooth’s anatomy. In situations such as this, the dentist will discuss the option of a referral to an Endodontic specialist to carry out the treatment to the highest standard to ensure the best possible outcome.
