Endodontics/ Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment (also called “Endodontic” treatment) is the treatment used to save a tooth that has been badly infected or damaged due to decay, disease or injury.
When there is an infection or damage in a tooth, it can either be extracted or saved by having Root Canal Treatment. We generally recommend saving a tooth by root canal treatment (unless there is a strong reason to have a tooth extracted). We recommend saving your tooth as your own tooth is naturally stronger and more efficient for biting and chewing.
In some cases, extraction is an appropriate option rather than root canal treatment.
Symptoms of Root Canal treatment
Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to heat, sensitivity to cold, discolouration of the tooth, sore gums or swelling.
Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp becomes severely infected or inflamed.
Why should I choose Root Canal Treatment?
If the pulp of the tooth is not treated sooner, it will result in abscesses (infection in the root of a tooth) or it may cause severe pain.
If the abscess is not treated, the resulting infection can damage the bone surrounding the root and subsequently the tooth will need to be removed.
Procedure of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is usually done in single dental visit.
First stage involves removing the infection and placing some medication to help settle the nerve of the tooth.
The second stage involves shaping and measuring the nerve cavity to prepare for the final stage.
The third and final stage is filling the nerve cavity with a rubber material to close the space where the nerve was and placing a permanent filling.
