Root-Canal Treatment

Rather than losing a healthy tooth, it is our priority to treat the root canal as a suitable alternative to extraction. Root canal treatment is a method of cleaning the pulp of the tooth and eliminating the nerves that cause the pain.

Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. The treatment is not painful and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely. Root canal treatment can be necessary if there is an infection present at the centre of a tooth (in the root canal) which is caused by bacteria the bacteria in the mouth that has invaded the tooth. There are a number of causes for such an invasion:

Tooth Decay
Leaky Fillings
Damage to teeth as a result of trauma, such as a fall
Poor Tooth Structure

The root canal system contains the dental pulp and extends from the crown of the tooth to the end of the root and a single tooth can have more than 1 root canal. Root canal treatment is only required when a dental X-rays has shown that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection.

Symptoms that may indicate that you require root canal treatment:

Pain when biting or chewing
Swelling of the gum
Pus oozing from the affected tooth
Facial swelling

To treat an infection in the root canal, the bacteria must be removed using root canal treatment. It is always best to retain as many of your natural teeth as possible, rather than resorting to extraction.

Can I Feel Pain During Canal Treatment?

Canal treatment is a treatment that requires patience and dedication both for the physician and the patient. If necessary, anaesthesia is applied to the tooth and its surroundings before treatment and the patient does not feel any pain due to the resulting numbness. After treatment, slight pain and tenderness may be felt in the area of the tooth in question, but this is only temporary. In such cases, the best solution is not to chew using this side of the mouth for a few days. An anti-inflammatory drug and painkillers can also be used initially after the treatment has been carried out. After a short time, the sensitivity will gradually disappear.

How is root canal treatment carried out and how long does it take?

1. Local anaesthetic: anaesthesia of the teeth and surrounding tissues.
2. The cleansing of any tooth-decay in order to access and open the root canals.
3. Determining the length of the duct by radiography (x-ray).
4. Removal of the root canal contents (pulp tissue).
5. Shaping of the root canals using various hand operated and rotary tools.
6. Disinfection of root canals and purification of any microorganisms.
7. Filling of the root canals.

How long will my root canal treatment take?

Although root canal treatment varies according to the condition of the tooth, it usually takes 30-60 minutes in one appointment. However, treatment of infected teeth may take several sessions.

What precautions should I take after treatment?

Mild pain and tenderness may occur after treatment, but this is only temporary. In this case, the best solution is not to use this side of the mouth for several days. After just a short time, the sensitivity will disappear.

Just like a normal, healthy tooth that has never been treated, a canal-treated tooth can also be used successfully for years. Root canal-treated teeth, like any other teeth, can be susceptible to caries or fractures and can be problematic for gums. Oral hygiene should be taken into particular consideration after canal treatment for this reason.

It is recommended that you brush your teeth regularly, use dental floss and visit your doctor every 6 months for a check-up and clean/polish.