Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment or Endodontics is a procedure to remove inflamed or infected pulp tissue (commonly called the nerve) from the inside of a tooth with the purpose of saving it and maintaining the health, cosmetics and function of your teeth. The alternative is to remove the whole tooth which would have been more common in years gone by, but in general is not recommended as the best option at Rathfarnham Dental Practice.

Root canal treatment often becomes necessary if there is deep tooth decay, a fracture in the tooth or an impact accident.

Contrary to the jokes about the matter, modern root canal treatment is a relatively easy procedure usually carried out in one to two visits depending on the degree of infection and the number of root canals in the tooth. Usually there are 1 to 4 root canals with molar back teeth having the most.

What is involved?

The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, just like a filling. A sheet of latex or ‘rubber dam’ is placed over the tooth and is held in place with a clip. This prevents bacteria and debris entering the tooth from your mouth. Meticulous cleaning of the root canals is carried out with very fine delicate instruments and disinfectants before being filled with a combination of a rubber-like material called ‘gutta-percha’ and a sealer cement to prevent the return of infection. Xrays and a number of electronic instruments aid the procedure.

Will it be painful after a visit?

Some discomfort and tenderness is possible for the following few days, especially if there was pain before the treatment commenced. This can be managed with mild painkillers of your choice such as those you might use for a headache. Any persistent or severe symptoms should be reported to your dentist.

Can all teeth be treated?

The success rate or root canal treatment is very high and there are millions of procedures carried out successfully every year. Some difficulties that may complicate treatment include:

• Instruments fracturing in narrow, curved canals.
• Resistant long standing or recurrent infections.
• Perforation – a dental instrument can go through the thin wall of the tooth
• It may not be possible to find all the root canals and remove the pulp tissue
• Some medical conditions e.g. poorly controlled diabetes or some medications.

There are often ways around these problems including root surgery, but sometimes tooth loss is unavoidable.

What happens next?

After the root filling is completed the damaged tooth has to be restored to its normal functioning shape. Usually a permanent filling or a crown is placed to achieve this. A crown essentially binds the tooth together and prevents a side wall breaking off or the root fracturing. Proper maintenance on the long term is vital. The tooth can still get more tooth decay or gum disease like any other tooth if it is not looked after by you. Have regular dental checks and hygienist visits.