Root Canal Treatment

When decay is so deep that bacteria enters the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment is usually necessary. The development of nickel titanium root canal instruments and the introduction of modern methods of fillings and sealing root canal systems, now allow us to complete most root canal therapies in a single visit. Gone are the days of three or four visits, but more importantly gone are the days also of discomfort

Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.

What is root canal treatment?

Your dentist uses root canal treatment to find the cause and then treat problems of the tooth's soft core (the dental pulp). Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.

What is the dental pulp?

The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.

What happens if the pulp gets injured?

An abscessed (infected) tooth caused by tooth decay. When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. Why does the pulp need to be removed?

When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.

What does treatment involve?

During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specialises in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:

First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned, filled and sealed.
In the final step, a porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth. If an endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family dentist for this final step.
The crown of the tooth is then restored.

How long will the restored tooth last?

Your restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.

If you would like more information on Single visit root canal treatment, root canal, root canal dentistry, root canal infection, root canal procedure, root canal therapy, Dentist, please contact Smile Concepts directly by clicking here or ringing 02 9267 7777