Root Canal
A root canal is required if the dental pulp (or central layer) of your tooth has become infected or inflamed and cannot be saved. This normally arises because of advanced decay, a deep filling or a severe crack or fracture to the tooth as the result of an accident.
While sometimes a patient may have no symptoms at all, the amin signs of a pulp infection includes tooth pain, increased sensitivity to hot or cold, discolouration, swelling, tenderness or a metallic taste in the mouth.
A root canal treatment is a successful, safe, and long-term way of helping to save a tooth which would otherwise need to be extracted.
What is a dental pulp?
Your teeth are comprised of several layers, the top (outer layer) of the crown is made of a very hard enamel. Underneath the enamel is a dentine layer which encases a hollow centre containing the dental pulp making up the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
This dental pulp runs from the dentine layer right down into the root canals of your tooth connecting the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth with the gum. When this pulp is infected, it begins to die but bacteria continue to travel into your gum causing pain and inflammation.
What is involved in a root canal treatment?
Your root canal treatment maybe completed over 2-3 visits. The length of treatment will depend on you, the tooth being treated and the number of roots it has. While the front teeth normally contain only one root canal, the back teeth can have up to four meaning that the process will take longer.
Appointments are normally spaced over weekly intervals, in between appointments your tooth will be covered and temporarily restored so that you are comfortable.
First stage
Removal of the infected pulp will take place under the local anaesthetic. This will involve entering the tooth using a small hand file. Once emptied, the root canals will be cleaned, shaped (to allow space for the filling) and flushed with anti-bacterial solution to kill any germs.
Second stage
The root canals will be filled with an inert material called gutta-percha to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering in the future. Any inflamed tissue in the gum will heal naturally over time.
Third stage
The root canal filling will be sealed in place with a permanent filling or crown. This will help restore the tooth to its natural shape and allow it to function properly. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the tooth.
Does a root canal treatment hurt?
Your root canal treatment will take place under local anaesthetic so shouldn’t be any more painful than a normal filling. You may experience some discomfort or gum swelling in the days afterwards, but this can be helped with painkillers. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
During and immediately following treatment be careful not to bite down too hard on the tooth so that you don’t damage it. When looked after properly your root canal treated tooth should last for many years.