Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.
At Deall Dental we have a high success rate with root canal therapy. It is our treatment of choice when saving a tooth that otherwise would have died resulting in the need for extraction.
In order to save the tooth, the nerves, bacteria and any decay are removed from inside the tooth. The resulting space is then filled with special medicated dental materials which restore the tooth to its full function.
Removing a tooth that has problems is not the best solution. Extracting a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Our first point of call is always to try and save the tooth through root canal therapy before exploring alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
A root canal procedure requires two or more appointments.
Appointment 1
- The affected tooth is numbed and a sheet of rubber (rubber dam) is placed. This keeps the tooth dry and free of saliva.
- An access opening is made. A series of root canal files are placed into the opening removing pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria.
- If tooth decay is present it is removed with special dental instruments.
- The tooth is then cleaned and sealed with a permanent filling.
- If additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling is used.
Appointment 2
Approximately a week or so later the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.
All back teeth that have root canal treatment should then have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.
After treatment
Your tooth may still be sensitive. This will subside as inflammation goes down and the tooth heals.
Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.