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Root canal treatment is a dental procedure which removes the nerve and blood supply of an infected tooth which is then filled with a medicament and a restoration. The aim of RCT is to save a tooth from being extracted.
Most people prefer to save their natural tooth since they often function better than an artificial tooth. Your own teeth are usually stronger and more efficient for biting and chewing.
Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canals of a tooth, prevent reinfection and save your natural tooth. Your dentist may recommend this option to save your tooth if
Symptoms you may experience include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discolouration and swelling or soreness in the gums surrounding the tooth.
To improve your chances of success, root canal treatment should be started as soon as possible.
If the pulp of the tooth is not treated quickly, severe pain and abscesses can occur. If the abscess is left untreated infection can damage the bone surrounding the root.
Root canal treatment generally requires 2 – 3 visits, depending on the tooth affected.
Step 1. Removing Active Decay And Infection From Your Tooth
In the first step the dentist will remove the cause of infection, whether it is an old filling, tooth decay or crack in the tooth. The pulp (which consists of the never and blood supply to the tooth) is then removed along with any pus and debris in the area.
Step 2. Shaping The Canals Of Your Tooth
To enable the dentist to fill your tooth effectively, the canals within the tooth root are shaped into smooth, hollow tunnels. These smooth surfaces do not allow bacteria to stay in the root cnala and cause reinfection of the tooth.
Your dentist will use small files of difference sizes as well as disinfectants and medication to clean out the canals. This step may need to be repeated several times depending on the extent of infection.
Step 3. Root Canals Are Filled
After your dentist is satisfied with the disinfectant stage and you are no longer experiencing symptoms the root canals are permanently sealed with a special long-lasting filling material.
Step 4. Making Your Tooth Functional Again
To ensure no bacteria from your mouth can leak back into the tooth, a large, well-sealed restoration is placed on the tooth. Usually any tooth which has required root canal treatment have sometimes lost considerable amount of tooth structure due to previous decay or cracks. A porcelain crown will provide the necessary strength and structure needed to maintain the function of your tooth.
*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, the clinicians at Dentists & Doctors will be happy to discuss all risks associated with any procedure prior to your treatment.
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