Root canal treatment is a contemporary branch of dentistry that offers support and help to all who wish to keep their natural teeth for life.

 

Why is root canal treatment necessary?

Deep within a tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp. If the pulp becomes infected it is necessary to remove this and clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth before filling the root. This will prevent infection spreading to the bone and importantly will also ensure that the tooth can be retained, usually indefinitely. Thus, the need for replacement teeth such as implants, dentures or bridges can be avoided. A root-filled tooth is a ‘natural’ implant and usually requires muchless ‘after-treatment’ than repairing a space with an implant, a denture, or a bridge. Root fillings save teeth!

 

SIGNS THAT A ROOT FILLING MIGHT BE NECESSARY

  • Pain with hot or cold food with enduring intensity
  • Spontaneous pain for no reason
  • A tooth that is sore to bite on
  • The presence of a ‘gum boil’
  • Facial Swelling
  • Tooth discolouration 
  • An ‘area’ found on a radiograph without symptoms

 

A root-filled tooth is a ‘natural’ implant and usually requires much less ‘after-treatment’ than repairing a space with an implant, a denture, or a bridge.

 

Will it hurt?

No! Modern analgesic techniques ensure that this treatment can be undertaken without pain and, in experienced hands, it is rare for the pain to be felt. During treatment, your tooth is isolated using a ‘dental dam’ to prevent instrument loss and infection from saliva. It will make the treatment safer, more comfortable and lead to a more predictable outcome. After treatment, discomfort may be felt, but normally this can be controlled by paracetamol or ibuprofen and usually lasts for no more than a few days. Sometimes there may be more than one tooth in an arch requiring treatment. This explains why pain can continue in an area after a tooth has been successfully treated. In rare situations, teeth can remain ‘bite’ sensitive for longer periods, perhaps months. Eventually, they settle down.

Who will do it?

All dentists are trained in root filling techniques. However, it may be felt that your problem is more complex than they are able or happy to deal with. In order to give your tooth the best prognosis, your dentist may prefer to refer you to a specialist who is trained to offer a more comprehensive service. If you are referred, it is likely that an operating microscope will be used to visualize your tooth and digital radiography to image your tooth.

How long will it take?

Most cases can be successfully treated in one or two visits. Depending on the tooth and the complexity of the case, appointments are between 30 and 120minutes duration.

Cost

Root filling teeth is a complex procedure taking time and requires the use of expensive equipment. The cost of endodontic care will vary depending on who does the treatment and which tooth requires attention. If you are being referred, it is most likely that this will be on a private basis. Costs and charges as well as a detailed understanding of your problem, will be discussed before you are committed to treatment as a routine matter of consent. At this time you will be able to ask questions should you have any concerns.

What happens after treatment?

The tooth will require a permanent filling and/or crown. This will be carried out by your own dentist. If you are referred, your general dentist will receive written information describing what has been done and will include one or more relevant X-ray images (radiographs).