Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside a tooth. The pulp is a soft tissue located inside the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels that help nourish the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and may lead to the development of a dental abscess or other serious oral health problems.
The root canal procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves the following steps:
- The dentist or endodontist will create a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
- Using specialized tools, the damaged or infected pulp tissue is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.
- The empty pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection.
- Once the pulp chamber and root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, they are filled with a special material called gutta-percha.
- Finally, the dentist will place a temporary filling on top of the gutta-percha filling.
After the root canal procedure, the patient may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to manage any discomfort.
In most cases, a dental crown or other restoration will be placed on top of the tooth to protect and restore its function. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Overall, root canal treatment is an effective way to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. It can help relieve pain, prevent the spread of infection and restore the function of the affected tooth.
If you require root canal treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us today to book in for a dental assessment.