Root Canal Treatment

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (which is also known as endodontics or a root filling) is a routine dental procedure which is needed when the blood or nerve supply of a tooth (called the pulp) becomes infected due to tooth decay or injury.

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection could spread throughout the root system of the tooth and cause an abscess. This can be very painful and the tooth may need to be extracted. Root canal treatment can prevent the spread of infection and save the tooth and involves removing the damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left. The remaining tooth can then be repaired.

What will my dentist do?

Take an x-ray to show the number and shape of the root canals and also the signs of infection in the bone. This is necessary as some roots are easier to fill than other due to their shape.

You will be given a local anaesthetic and then an opening will be made through the top of the tooth extending down into the pulp.

Your dentist will then use a narrow file to remove the dead pulp from the core of the tooth and the root canal, before cleaning and shaping the canal ready for filling.

Your dentist may now put in a temporary filling and may also give you antibiotics if the infection has spread beyond the tooth. If this is the case, you will have to return for a second visit once the infection has cleared and the tooth settled so that your dentist may complete the treatment. Some discomfort after this first visit is common but will normally subside after 48 hours. Take the painkillers you normally use for headaches or Nurofen Plus or Paracetamol, as directed until everything returns to normal.

The next stage is to fill the root canal(s). A filling is then placed in the cavity in the crown of the tooth. It may be necessary to restore the tooth with a crown which is held in place by a post placed in the filled root canal.

Your root filled tooth may become darker than the rest of your teeth - don’t worry, this is normal, however tooth bleaching can be used to make them lighter and you may be advised to have the tooth crowned at a later date. Your dentist will be able to advise you about this if you are concerned.

What are the benefits?

Pulp damage can cause toothache but the pain will normally end once the infected pulp has been cleaned out.

Without a root filling, a tooth with a dead pulp would eventually have to be taken out. Root fillings can also prevent the spread of infection beyond the tooth itself.

Root fillings are normally successful and can last many years, but re-treatment is also possible if infection recurs. Occasionally, if inflammation persists at the top of the root, surgery can be carried out to remove part of the root, clean the area and place a filling. This is known as an ‘apicectomy’.