Root Canal Treatment

Q What is root canal treatment?
A Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is the filling of the root channel inside a tooth with a sealant after disinfection. It is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is damaged, infected or dies through decay or injury.

Q Why is root canal treatment needed?
A If the pulp becomes infected, this may eventually lead to an abscess and without root treatment the tooth should be taken out to prevent spread of the infection.

Q Does it hurt?
A No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

Q What does it involve?
A The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further re-infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve one or two visits to your dentist of 1-2 hours. The root canal will be cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling may be placed to allow the tooth to settle, before the tooth is permanently filled. Using a microscope to see into the root canals is a great help to producing high quality work, do not be worried about having the dentist ‘s microscope over you.

Q What will my tooth look like after treatment?
A A root filled tooth can darken after treatment. If there is any discoloration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance such as a crown or veneer.

Q What if it happens again?
A Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated. This is often best done by a dentist with a special interest in endodontics and using and Endodntic Magnifying Microscope which is available at Old Court House as part of our commitment to the making the most modern technology available to our patients. Less than 10% of practices in England have this microscope.

Q What if I don’t have the treatment?
A The alternative is to have the tooth extracted. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction and not have a root filling, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth for as long as possible.

Q Will the tooth be safe after treatment?
A Yes. However, the procedure is usually carried out on very heavily filled or broken down teeth and the procedure itself somewhat hollows the tooth thereby weakening it. We know a percentage of root filled teeth can snap off at the gum line as a complication post treatment. It is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

Q Where can this treatment be carried out?
A Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.

Q What about aftercare?
A Root treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth although you may receive advice to avoid hard foods if the tooth is particularly weakened especially in patients who have spaces or reduced numbers of teeth or the root filled tooth is a bridge support or denture support. Unfortunately the root filling procedure is not 100% successful over greater than 5 years and patients should be counseled against unrealistic expectancy for what is a considerable investment in their teeth.