Root canal treatment, also called endodontics, is needed when a tooth is infected through decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection, but your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died or is dying and requires treatment.
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If your tooth is infected, this may spread through the root canal system of the tooth and could lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms include feeling a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite.
Root canal treatment eliminates the infection and stops it being able to spread to other areas of your mouth. It can also save your natural tooth from extraction and prevent the further issues and costs associated with this.
What does root canal treatment involve?
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve more than two visits to your dentist.
Initially, the infected nerve is removed and any abscesses can be drained. The root canal is then cleaned, shaped and ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled to restore structure, shape and function. It is important to note that a root-filled tooth will often darken after treatment. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments that will restore the natural appearance, including internal bleaching, white crowns, or a veneer.
Contact usThe cost of an endodontic procedure varies depending on how severe the problem is and the type of tooth. Molars with two or three canals are more difficult to treat and the fee will therefore be more.
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the nerve is destroyed it can’t heal, and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer to have the tooth out, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible. A ‘dead’ tooth is more brittle, so you may need to have a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
No, it doesn’t. Usually, a local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. There may be some tenderness afterwards but this should gradually get less over time.
Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back, the treatment process can sometimes be repeated effectively. Your dentist will be able to advise you of the best course of action in your case.
by Dental Design