Root Canal

Root Canal Treatment Overview

Purpose of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, aims to preserve a tooth that has suffered significant damage from decay, disease, or injury. Each year, millions of teeth are saved from extraction thanks to this procedure.

The Importance of Keeping Your Natural Teeth

Having your own teeth is preferable to artificial replacements because:

They are more effective for biting and chewing
They offer greater strength

Retaining the tooth helps prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting out of place or tilting into gaps left by missing teeth. Such movement can make chewing and biting more difficult, and may also contribute to further tooth decay and gum disease around the affected area.

The Root Canal Procedure

For the best results, root canal therapy should commence as soon as a problem is detected. The dentist will drill a small hole in the top of the tooth to reach the root canal, remove the infected pulp, and thoroughly disinfect the space. The canal is then shaped using fine dental files, cleaned with a sterilising solution, and finally sealed with a permanent filling. This process may require multiple visits to complete. If an infection exists, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Success and Risks of Root Canal Treatment

As with any dental or medical procedure, root canal treatment involves some risks. The tiny, sometimes curved nature of root canals can make thorough cleaning challenging, and success is not guaranteed. The outcome may depend on factors such as a patient's overall health, age, healing ability, and other individual considerations. Proper final restoration of the tooth is crucial.

Restoration and Long-Term Outlook

If the treated tooth is not correctly restored, bacteria can re-enter, leading to reinfection. Placing a crown is recommended to strengthen and securely seal the tooth. Once treatment is completed, infection is generally likely to resolve, and the risk of reinfection remains low. However, if an infection recurs, the tooth may require further treatment or removal. Occasionally, the treated tooth may darken and lose its original whiteness. If this happens to a front tooth, options include bleaching or fitting an artificial crown or veneer.

Possible Complications After Treatment

Pain or renewed infection can arise months or even years after treatment, usually due to new deep decay, trauma, or a cracked filling that allows bacteria to re-enter. In such cases, additional endodontic therapy may be necessary to save the tooth.