Root Canal Treatment

About Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment alleviates the pain and swelling that has been caused by inflammation of the dental pulp. Dental decay, cracks and trauma to the tooth are some of the many factors that can contribute to this. Under any of such circumstances, bacteria enters the pulp, which then leads to pulp death. We will treat the tooth by carefully removing the diseased pulp and filling up the root canal space to seal it from future bacteria re-entry. Our goal is to save the tooth from requiring an extraction.

The Process of Root Canal Treatment

Step 1

Anaesthetic Administration

We will ease any discomfort with local anaesthetic, and the relief experienced is almost instant.

Step 2

Tooth Isolation

Once adequate numbing has been applied, a dental dam is placed over the tooth to keep it dry and isolated from your saliva.

Step 3

Tooth Opening

A small opening is being made at the surface of the tooth, into the pulp chamber.

Step 4

Removal Of Infected Tissue

Small cylindrical files will then be introduced to remove the pulp and any infected tissue from the root canals.

Step 5

Canal Cleaning

The canals are then thoroughly cleaned, shaped and prepared to be filled with a rubbery material called gutta percha.

Step 6

Tooth Filling

Finally, a temporary filling is placed to cover the opening of the tooth.

Step 7

Subsequent Treatments

Subsequent visits will be required to thoroughly sterilise and prepare the root canals so that we can fill it up adequately. More often than not, local anaesthesia will no longer be necessary during these visits. Since the nerve and blood supply has been removed on top of the existing damage to the tooth structure, the tooth will still be in a fragile and brittle state and can lead to cracking. As such, a crown is recommended to restore its strength and longevity so that it can continue to function like any other tooth.

When To Receive Root Canal Treatment

Most patients feel distressed and terrified at the thought of having to undergo root canal treatment. The most uncomfortable part of root canal treatment that gives it its bad reputation is usually the first step which is frequently done when the patient is already distressed from the existing toothache. This is why we recommend that you do not put off root canal treatment until the infection flares up.

Rest assured though, that no matter the circumstances, our qualified dentists will ease any discomfort with local anaesthetic. We understand that patients are usually extremely anxious being faced with this procedure and we are here to make your visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

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FAQs

What is root canal?

Root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure to relieve pain stemming from the inflammation or infection of the pulp or tissues inside of the tooth. It involves careful removal of the inflamed pulp tissue and bacteria via a small opening made at the surface of the tooth. This is followed by cleaning and shaping of the root canals using small cylindrical files. While this is the most time consuming part of the procedure, rest assured that you will not feel a thing! Once the tooth has been stabilised and disinfected, we fill the root canal space up with a rubbery material called Gutta Percha. Finally, a filling is placed to cover the opening of the tooth.

Is root canal painful?

With modern techniques and anaesthetics, root canal procedures these days are almost pain-free. In fact, root canal treatment relieves the pain of toothaches instead of causing pain. Rest assured that we are here to make your visit as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

If the infected tooth is not bothering me, do I still need to undergo root canal treatment?

Even though the tooth may not be hurting, it is still infected. Root canal is designed to treat and disinfect, so as to prevent a major toothache or the spread of infection to neighbouring teeth.

How long will the root canal procedure take?

Root canal treatment can be performed in a single or over multiple visits depending on several factors such as complexity, number of canals and condition of the tooth involved.

Root canal treatment vs Implants. Which is better?

Even though dental implants are widely prescribed now, there are many instances where we will still strongly recommend root canal treatment instead. It might seem simpler to just extract a painful tooth and later replacing it with an implant, but this is not always the case. Firstly, not all patients are suitable for dental implants. Dental implants when placed under compromised conditions can also cause other problems. Furthermore, we believe that a natural tooth is frequently superior to an artificial replacement. At the end of the tooth’s life cycle, dental implants will still be a viable option. In the meantime, we prefer to extend the life expectancy of each tooth to match our longer life expectancy now.