Here at Kingston Dental we regularly provide root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment involves removing infected tissue from your tooth, cleaning and then filling it to prevent further damage or infection. Root canal treatment can often save a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted.
The most common causes of pulp damage are:
- A cracked tooth
- A deep cavity
- An injury to a tooth, such as a severe knock to the tooth, either recently or in the past.
Once the pulp is infected or dead, if left untreated, it can cause an abscess to form. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause a great deal of pain.
Root Canal Procedure
The aim of root canal treatment is to remove damaged pulp and bacteria that may be causing infection. Root canal treatment consists of several steps and may need to take place over several different visits, depending on the situation.
- First, an opening is made through the back of a front tooth or the crown of a molar or pre-molar.
- After the diseased pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned enlarged and shaped in preparation for being filled.
- If more than one visit is required, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.
- On your return visit, the temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal permanently filled.
- A crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore it’s natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is very broken down, a post maybe required to build it up prior to placing a crown.
Myth Busters
Myth – Root canal treatment is painful.
Truth – Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it.
The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but fortunately with modern technologies and anaesthetics, root canal treatment today id no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Most patients see their dentists when they have a severe toothache. This is often caused by damaged tissues in the tooth. Root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue, thereby relieving the pain.
Myth – A good alternative to a root canal is extraction.
Truth – Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option.
Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet.