What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, also technically known as Endodontic treatment is when the center of the tooth consisting of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues, also known as pulp is removed. This is done to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Once all the pulp has been successfully removed, the tooth is then filled and sealed to prevent bacteria from entering. As the pulp supplies feeling to a tooth, when it is removed there is no pain and discomfort to that tooth anymore.

Are you experiencing lingering pain or tooth pain that is keeping you up at night? Or perhaps you have the unpleasant feeling of being really sensitive to hot drinks. These are just some of the signs you may need a root canal. Often a tooth with decay that is left untreated can result in an infected pulp. Trauma, such as falling over and hitting your tooth can also cause a tooth to die resulting in root canal treatment. In order to keep these teeth in your mouth for many years to come, root canal treatment is necessary to save your tooth.

Root canal treatment in Camberwell is usually done over several appointments.

An opening is made on the top of the infected tooth. It is then flushed out and cleaned to remove the infected pulp and bacteria within the tooth. The canals are then shaped so that they can be easily filled and sealed. The opening made at the beginning is then restored using a white filling material.

After Root canal treatment, a non-vital tooth is not as strong anymore and can become quite brittle. We recommend having a crown to protect and increase longevity of the tooth.

The only other option if you do not want to save the tooth is to have it taken out. If it is a tooth that can be seen in your smile line and you don’t want to go ahead with root canal treatment you may want to consider other replacements. These can include dentures, implants and bridges. Contact Camberwell Family Dental to discuss treatment options with one of our lovely dentists!