Q What is root
canal treatment?
A Root canal treatment (also
called endodontics) is needed when the blood
or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the
pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Q Why is root
canal treatment needed?
A If the pulp becomes infected,
the infection may spread through the root
canal system of the tooth. This may eventually
lead to an abscess.
If root canal treatment (RCT)
is not carried out, the infection will spread
and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Q Does it hurt?
A No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should
feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.
What does it
involve?
A The aim of the treatment
is to remove all 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. Most courses of treatment will involve
two or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which
may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned
and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth
is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a
later visit and when all the infection has
cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
