Root Canals

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that cures damaged or infected pulp in the tooth’s root canal. Root canal treatment involves drilling a hole into a decayed tooth and cleaning the dental pulp. Dental pulp is made of blood vessels and nerves that provide oxygen, nutrient and feeling to the tooth.

Root canal treatment is recommended on cracked, traumatised, badly decayed, painful or sensitive teeth. Root Canal treatment can also be done on a previously treated tooth due to the following reasons:

• Recurrence of symptoms of pain
• Infections
• Swelling or Dental Abscess.

Procedure of Root Canal Treatment

The procedure generally needs to be completed over several visits.

• Wein the first visit will take x-rays of the tooth and the area around it.
• The tooth area will usually be numbed with a local anaesthetic.
• Your tooth may then be covered with a small rubber sheet that isolates the tooth being treated from the rest of the mouth.
• Our dentist will make an opening in the top of the tooth.
• The diseased pulp and bacteria are flushed out with disinfectant and the root canals are cleaned with special instruments.
• The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
• The tooth opening is restored with a filling.
• After a root canal treatment, a tooth becomes brittle. It can be strengthened (to stop it from splitting while eating) with a cap or ‘crown’

• Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

  The most common benefits of the root canal treatment are:

  • A better bite and more efficient chewing
  • Preserving natural teeth
  • Protecting other teeth from wear and tear

  It is to be noted that the Root canal treatment may not be offered if the tooth is loose or if only a small amount of tooth remains as the treatment is not likely to be successful.

  Precautions after Root Canal Treatment

  After the procedure you can expect some discomfort in the area for the first few days, but over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help alleviate the pain. All the relevant instructions related to recovery and what to expect will be given to you by our dentist. Our dentist will also prescribe you appropriate antibiotics and pain relief if needed.

  After the procedure, it is recommended to wait until the numbness in the mouth wears off before eating so you won’t bite your cheek or tongue. Don’t chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by a dentist to avoid damaging it.