Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a procedure to treat an infected or inflamed tooth nerve (pulp). The dentist removes the damaged tissue, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them to prevent further infection.
It may be recommended when a tooth has deep decay, a crack, a history of trauma, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or an abscess. Treating the tooth can help relieve pain and often allows you to keep the natural tooth rather than having it removed.
Benefits
- Helps relieve tooth pain caused by infection
- Aims to preserve your natural tooth
- Helps control the spread of infection
- Restores normal chewing once the tooth is protected
- Performed comfortably under local anaesthetic
What to Expect
- Examination and X-ray
- Local anaesthetic
- Access to the pulp chamber
- Cleaning and shaping of the root canals
- Disinfection and sealing of the canals
- Temporary or permanent filling
- Crown or restoration to protect the tooth
Frequently Asked Questions
With modern anaesthetic techniques the procedure is usually no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Some tenderness can follow and is normally manageable.
Some teeth can be treated in one visit, while others need two or more, especially if there is infection. Your dentist will explain the plan for your tooth.
Often yes, particularly for back teeth, because root-treated teeth can be more brittle. Your dentist will advise what restoration is best.
The main alternative is removing the tooth. Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of each option so you can decide.
