Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (nerve) tissue from inside the tooth. The procedure aims to preserve the tooth's structure and prevent further infection or damage.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.

Who is Suitable for Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp (nerve of a tooth) is affected by decay or infection. Common symptoms of an infected or damaged pulp include:

severe toothache
sensitivity to hot and cold
swelling
pain when chewing or biting
an abscess (or pimple) on the gums

Many patients believe that removing a tooth with problems is the solution, but what is not realised is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

The benefits of root canal therapy include the following:

Preserving the tooth's structure: Saves the tooth and prevents the need for extraction.
Eliminating pain: Relieves the pain caused by infected or damaged pulp tissue.
Preventing further infection: Removes the infected pulp tissue and prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or gums.
Improving overall oral health: Helps maintain the health of your other teeth and gums by preventing the spread of infection or decay.

Types of Root Canal Therapy

Conventional Root Canal Therapy: The most common type of root canal therapy involves accessing the tooth's pulp chamber and canals through a small hole in the top of the tooth. The pulp tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped using small files. The canals are then filled with gutta-percha, and the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown.
Surgical Root Canal Therapy: Performed when conventional root canal therapy is impossible or failed. It involves accessing the tooth's root from the gum tissue through a small incision. The damaged or infected tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned and filled with gutta-percha. The gum tissue is then stitched back in place.

Alternative Options to Root Canal Therapy

If root canal therapy is not suitable for you, your dentist may recommend alternative options, such as:

Extraction: If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection or further damage.
Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection and reduce inflammation.
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage the pain caused by infected or damaged pulp tissue.

What to do Before Root Canal Therapy?

Before undergoing root canal therapy, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the procedure:

Inform your dentist of any medical conditions or medications you are taking to ensure that the procedure and anaesthesia will not interact with any existing medical conditions or medications.
Ask questions or concerns about the procedure. Understanding the procedure and what to expect can help alleviate any anxiety or stress you may be feeling.
Take any prescribed antibiotics before the procedure. Make sure to take them as directed. This will help clear up any remaining infection and reduce inflammation.
Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure to ensure your stomach is empty and reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting.
Arrange for someone to drive you home, as the anaesthesia during the procedure can impair your driving ability.
Relax and stay calm before the procedure. You can listen to music, meditate, or practise deep breathing exercises to help you relax.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). The procedure involves the following steps:

Anaesthesia: The dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anaesthetic to ensure the patient is comfortable during the procedure. While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.
Access opening: The dentist will make a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
Cleaning: The dentist will use specialised instruments called files to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the root canals. The canals are then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria or debris. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Shaping: The dentist will use a series of files of increasing size and shape to shape the canals and create space for the filling material.
Filling: Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals and prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Restoration: Finally, the dentist will place a filling or crown on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function.

What to Expect After a Root Canal Therapy?

It is normal to experience pain and sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. You may feel soreness and tenderness in the treated tooth and the surrounding gums. You can manage the pain with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

You may experience some swelling and bruising around the treated tooth. This is normal and should subside within a few days.

Root Canal Therapy Aftercare

After a root canal therapy, it is important to take proper care of the treated tooth and the surrounding area to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications. Here are some aftercare tips to follow:

Avoid eating or drinking anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, lip or tongue.
Take any prescribed pain medication as directed by your dentist to manage discomfort.
Avoid biting or chewing with the treated tooth until it has been restored with a filling or crown.
Practise good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the filling or crown.
Attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that the tooth is healing properly and to have the filling or crown placed.
Contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bleeding after the procedure.

Root Canal Therapy Prognosis

Root canal therapy has a high success rate, with up to 95% of treated teeth lasting many years and even a lifetime. However, the success of the procedure depends on various factors, such as the extent of the damage or infection, the quality of the restoration, and how well the tooth is cared for after the procedure. Occasionally, a tooth must be retreated due to new infections.

Root Canal Therapy Risks

Like any dental procedure, root canal therapy carries some risks, such as:

Infection: Although root canal therapy aims to eliminate infection, there is still a small risk of an infection developing after the procedure.
Pain: Some patients may experience pain or discomfort after the procedure.
Damage to surrounding tissues: There is a small risk of damage to surrounding teeth or gums during the procedure.

What if Root Canal Therapy is Delayed?

If root canal therapy is delayed, the infection or damage to the tooth can spread to surrounding teeth or gums, leading to more extensive dental problems. In some cases, delaying root canal therapy can result in the need for tooth extraction.

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