Root Canal
Root canal treatment saves your natural teeth from needing to be extracted. If you have an infected tooth, root canal treatment is used to remove the infected issue within the tooth to then prevent the infection spreading. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a precise treatment that will save you from having more complicated and potentially more costly treatment in the future.
Why do I need root canal treatment?
If bacteria are able to enter the tooth through a cavity or through a crack, it can cause the pulp inside to become inflamed. The pulp is a mixture of soft tissues, blood vessels and nerves. When under attack from bacteria, the inflamed tissues can cause discomfort and if infection sets in, there’s a risk of it spreading.
Root canal treatment involves completely removing the pulp and the infection with it. This relieves any discomfort and protects the rest of your smile from the infection. The treatment involves flushing the canals clean and disinfecting them before sealing them off.
What does the treatment involve?
We first assess the situation and take radiographs so we can see the extent of the infection. First, we use local anaesthetic to numb the area. We enter the tooth and remove the pulp. Using special tools, we shape the canals so we can reach all the pulp. The canals are flushed with a disinfectant, removing the bacteria.
The canals are plugged up and sealed. The decayed part of the tooth is removed, leaving only the healthy tooth behind. We use a white filling to rebuild the tooth or use a porcelain crown if there has been extensive damage.
Looking after your treated tooth
Just with all your other teeth, it will still be vulnerable to the effects of gum disease and tooth decay. Good oral hygiene will ensure its longevity.
