Sometimes a tooth can die for reasons such as a decay or trauma from a knock or a fall. Other causes are a deep filling or repeated treatment on a tooth. It can then lead to infection and a risk of the infection spreading and causing more extensive damage leaving little choice but to extract the tooth. Root canal treatment is needed to save an infected tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
What does it involve?
Root canal treatment involves cleaning and disinfecting the space inside the tooth known as the root canal. Once cleaned the space is then filled with a material known as gutta percha. This helps seal the tooth from further bacterial infection. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so that you do not feel anything. Once completed the tooth is restored with a filling or commonly a crown a few weeks later.
Why should I have root canal treatment?
If the tooth has developed an infection and you wish to keep the tooth then root canal treatment is required. The alternative would be to remove the tooth and consider replacing it with a bridge, denture or implant. These options have their own pros and cons.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
Many patients have heard or experienced horror stories about root canal treatment. The truth is that if carried out carefully, in the majority of cases it is painless. There are cases where infection has already developed which can make it difficult to treat pain free. We aim to control this infection before carrying out treatment so as to make it as comfortable as possible.