Root Canal Treatment
The teeth are the hardest structure in the human body. Besides being essential for chewing, the teeth play an important role in speech.
Your tooth is made up of:
- Enamel: The hardest, white outer part of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium phosphate, a rock-hard mineral.
- Dentin: A layer underlying the enamel. Dentin is made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.
- Pulp: The softer, living inner structure of teeth. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of the teeth.
Root canal treatment or endodontics is required when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected through decay or injury.
The dental pulp extends from the crown to the tips of the root or roots. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth is dead or dying. This would need root canal treatment.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain, and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment is not done, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
What Does it Involve?
The aim of the treatment is to remove all the infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Treatment may involve multiple visits to your dentist. The initial stage is to remove the infected pulp and drain any potential abscesses.
The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. If infection is severe a temporary filling is placed and the tooth left to settle. Once all the infection has cleared, the canal is permanently filled and the tooth restored. As the tooth is no longer living this may involve a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Does the Root Treatment Hurt?
No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. There may be some tenderness afterwards or sensitivity due to localised inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be relieved by taking mild analgesics or painkillers available over the counter at the pharmacy but this should gradually get less over time . However, if the pain persists and is severe, or a swelling occurs, you should contact your dentist.
What if I Dont Have the Treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed it can not heal, and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.
Although some people would prefer to have the tooth out, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
