ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS
When the tooth’s nerve becomes inflamed or grossly infected, either due to trauma or extensive decay, then it is very likely that the tooth will become symptomatic and cause pain.
Unfortunately, the only nerve fibres that we have in teeth are ‘pain’ fibres. In order to relieve the pain, the infected internal contents of the tooth will need to be removed in a process known as root canal treatment.
The ultimate aim of root canal treatment is to clean out and disinfect the internal dental pulp space. This treatment will prevent the tooth from becoming re-infected.
Root canal treatment is often performed in two appointments.
First Appointment
The first appointment is often an ‘emergency’ appointment where the aim is to get you out of pain ASAP.
At this appointment, you will be given a local anaesthetic and the area where the nerves and blood vessels are housed will be located, and the cleaning process commenced.
A local antibiotic and anti-inflammatory will be placed in the internal pulp chamber and the tooth temporarily restored. Within a day, (in some lucky cases instantaneously) your tooth will be feeling significantly better.
Second Appointment
At the second appointment, the dentist will use special files and irrigants to clean and shape the internal dental pulp space.
The space is then filled with an inert rubberised material and then restored ready for a crown to be placed at a subsequent appointment.
As root treated teeth have often been extensively damaged due to decay or trauma, it is paramount that this weakened tooth is protected from breaking.
It is strongly recommended that all root treated teeth have a crown placed to strengthen and protect the tooth. We recommend all root treated posterior teeth to have a crown placed.
Following placement of the crown on the root treated tooth, the entire tooth will still function and look like the surrounding teeth. The only difference is that you will not be able to feel ‘hot and cold’ sensation.
Arrange an assessment for Root Canal Treatment.