>> Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also called Endodontics) is needed when the pulp (blood or nerve supply of the tooth) is infected through decay or injury. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal. The infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth and this may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection can spread to neighbouring teeth.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal by taking out the infected pulp. Any abscesses which may be present can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped in readiness for the filling. This should prevent any further infection. Most dentists and patients prefer to fit the treated tooth with a dental crown which will provide extra protection and strength to the tooth.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. It is usually very successful, particularly in front teeth which have one straight root canal. Teeth with two or more root canals, however, can sometimes present a problem due to the natural curvature of the root canal or additional canals branching off the main canals. The dentist’s tools cannot always follow the curvature, thereby resulting in an incomplete removal of the infected pulp which can possibly lead to unsuccessful and repeatedly necessary treatment. Whilst it is always preferable to preserve a patient’s natural teeth, in such problem cases the tooth may need to be extracted before the infection spreads any further.