Root canal therapy is the sequence of treatments whereby inflamed or dead pulp of a tooth is removed and replaced with rubber-based filling material. Infection or inflammation of the pulp can develop for a number of reasons
Typical symptoms of an inflamed or dead pulp include:
Sometimes the tooth may become damaged or diseased without any signs or symptoms. In all cases, further investigation will be required to correctly diagnose the problem. In certain instances, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed for a week before commencing treatment.
Root canal therapy is done under local anaesthetic with the tooth being isolated through a rubber mat to allow for proper disinfection of the tooth. The initial appointment usually involves removal of decay and temporary restoration of the tooth. An opening is made, usually through the top of the tooth, so that the dental pulp can be reached. The dental pulp sits in root canal spaces, and each space is thoroughly cleaned, flushed and shaped using new and efficient endodontic technology. X-rays are taken throughout the appointment to ascertain the length of the tooth roots and the root canals within. An antibiotic dressing is then placed, usually for one to two weeks, and the tooth temporarily sealed.
The second appointment of root canal therapy requires the tooth to be infection free. If infection is still detected, the tooth will be rewashed and redressed to allow for further disinfection. If there are no signs of infection, the temporary filling is removed and the tooth cleaned and flushed once again in preparation for the placement of a rubber based filling material. Once placed, the tooth is then ready for the final restoration.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy usually require a stronger restoration to protect the tooth from fracture. Your dentist may recommend a ceramic onlay or a crown as the permanent restoration for the tooth.
Infection - while root canal therapy is in most cases successful, it may not be in every case. Success depends on a number of factors, the most important being the length of time the tooth was infected, the amount of useful tooth structure remaining and the quality of the final restoration. The risks of re-infection of a completed root canal are low and if it does occur, the tooth may need to be treated again or extracted.
File Fracture - special metal files are used to clean the root canal spaces. These instruments are very fine and thus may at times break during use. Should this occur, your dentist will discuss your treatment options.
Discomfort - some people may continue to have discomfort around the tooth during and after treatment. This should disappear gradually but if the difference in feeling persists, inform your dentist as further investigation and treatment may be needed.
Discolouration - in certain instances, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may lose its original whiteness and become greyer. Discolouration may be treated by bleaching, or with a crown or veneer.
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