Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.
When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth.
Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. But the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed.
In this month’s blog the team at KentEndo look at what would happen if your dentist refers you for root canal treatment.
The procedure will follow these steps:
- Preparation
Your dentist will first take an x-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in a surrounding bone. They will use local anaesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. To keep the area dry and free of saliva during treatment, your dentist will place a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) around the tooth.
- Cleaning
The next step involves drilling a hole to gain access into the tooth. The pulp, bacteria, and decayed nerve tissue are removed from the tooth. The area is cleaned out using a series of root canal files.
- Sealing
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed. If there is an infection, your dentist may put a medication inside the tooth to clear it up. In other cases, the tooth may be sealed the same day it is cleaned out. If the root canal isn’t completed in one day, a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep out saliva and food between appointments.
- Filling
At the next appointment, to fill the interior of the tooth, a sealer paste, and a rubber compound called gutta percha are placed into the root canal. A filling will be put in to close the access hole created at the beginning of treatment.
- Restoration
The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth. It is normally advised that following root canal treatment the tooth is crowned to help strengthen and protect the area, restoring it to full function.
A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has come through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to give the sensation of hot or cold. The absence of a nerve will not affect how your tooth works.
At KentEndo, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment. If you have any concerns or queries do not hesitate to ask one of team on 01622 225555.
