Root Canal Treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

Parts of a tooth

Root canal treatment is the removal of the pulp tissues of a tooth when it is inflamed or infected. This may be due to severe decay, cracks or fractures of the tooth, exposure of the pulp due to excessive wear of dentine and enamel or servere gum disease.

​This may cause pain, prolonged sensitivity, discolouration of the tooth, tenderness of gums or a bad taste in the mouth. If left untreated, there may be pain, swelling and bone loss.

Instead of extracting the tooth with the pulp infection, root canal treatment can be used to save the tooth. After root canal treatment, the tooth can still function normally and can be maintained with a good oral hygiene routine. 

Under local anesthetic, which is applied via injection, the root canal is cleaned and reshaped, removing the infected pulp tissue. The root canal is then sealed with a material called gutta-percha. To restore the tooth, a permanent filling or crown may be applied. Click here for more information on crowns.

Stages in root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is a multi-stage process that may require multiple visits. In between visits, the tooth may be covered with a temporary filling and medication may be placed inside the root canal. To most accurately perform the treatment, X-rays may be necessary. The degree of complexity also depends on the tooth being treated, affecting the final cost and duration of the procedure. Post-treatment, medication may be prescribed to manage pain.