Endodontics

Root canal treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed, infected, or damaged.

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is a procedure to save a tooth that has become badly decayed and unhealthy. During the procedure, the infected tissue, or pulp, surrounding your tooth’s nerve is cleaned out so that there is no further damage done to your tooth.

How do I know if I need a root canal treatment?

The most common reasons for root canal treatment are infection of the inside of your tooth (the dental pulp) or unremitting pain (toothache). Root canal treatment is the only way to effectively clear your tooth canal of any bacteria.

What happens if I don’t want root canal treatment?

If you decide not to have root canal treatment, you may lose the tooth. The decay and infection are likely to spread and may even result in additional tooth decay.

Is root canal treatment safe?

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that is successfully performed on millions of patients per year.

How is root canal treatment done?

The purpose of the root canal treatment is to remove the bacteria from inside the tooth and to disinfect the root canals. This is achieved by making a small hole through the tooth into the pulp chamber, locating and measuring the root canals, then cleaning and widening them using fine instruments called files. Once clean, the canals are filled to seal them from re-infection. In most cases an abscess will start to heal at this point

Is root canal treatment painful?

No, it isn’t. In the past, it may have been uncomfortable and occasionally painful – but with effective local anaesthesia, analgesics, and antibiotics available, there is no reason for your treatment to make you grimace.

How long does a root canal take?

The amount of time a procedure takes depends on the details of the procedure you’re having, and the type of tooth involved. We estimate your time in the surgery to last approximately 1-2 hours. The treatment itself can often be completed in one visit. At times, a second appointment may be needed.

Does a root canal weaken my tooth?

Removing the inner section of the tooth weakens the overall structure of the tooth. But it can be reinforced with dental restorations, such as an onlay or dental crown. We will provide the right treatment to ensure the strength of your tooth after the root canal is complete.

Advantages

Root canal treatment stops the spread of infection – With root canal treatment, the bacteria that causes the infection will be removed. Once the bacteria are removed, the tooth will be cleaned and disinfected which, in turn, will stop the cause of toothache or tooth decay. When the infected tooth is treated, there is no room for the bacteria to spread.
Root canal treatment saves your tooth – root canal treatment helps save your tooth, so you do not have to worry about losing a tooth or having a gap between teeth.
Root canal treatment prevents jawbone degradation – One of the advantages of root canal treatment is the preservation of the tooth. When teeth are preserved, the jawbone remains intact.