Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from inside the tooth in the event that it gets infected or inflamed. If not treated, this could lead to an abscess. Root canal treatment can save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.
Root canal treatment may be required when the tooth has become infected or inflamed due to:
- deep decay or an extensive restoration that involves the pulp.
- cracked or fractured tooth due to trauma.
- excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp.
- sometimes as a result of severe gum disease.
Do not hesitate to seek dental care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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Pain
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Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
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Discoloration of the tooth
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Swelling
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Tenderness of the overlying gums
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A bad taste in the mouth.
Advantages of Root Canal Treatment :
- Root canal treatment saves the tooth that otherwise would have to be extracted and replaced with an implant, bridge or denture. All of these are more invasive, and lead to increased time and cost.
- It maintains your natural dentition to allow you to continue with the same bite, comfort and as natural appearance as possible.
- A root canal treated tooth can function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures.
Future Care of Root Treated Teeth
After root canal treatment the tooth is pulp-less – i.e. it has no vital tissues within.
- Over time, the tooth becomes slightly more brittle and some may need crowning or a covering such as an Onlay in the future especially the back chewing teeth to prevent fracture
- There are vital tissues surrounding the root e.g. the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone and these will continue to need routine hygiene and dental care.
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing as often as possible, as root-filled teeth are as prone to decay as natural teeth.
Contact us
Fill out the form and we will contact you during our working hours. Urgent dental care will be provided usually the same day.