Root Canal Treatment

Teeth are held in the jaws by their roots. Front teeth normally have one root, but teeth further back have more. At the core of each tooth is a soft mass of tissue called the pulp. In a healthy tooth, the pulp contains living fibers, cells, nerves and a blood supply, extending into the root(s) through the root canal(s).Decay or injury can destroy the living pulp. Because dead pulp lacks a blood supply, it is more prone to infection, leading to an abscess and toothache. Root canal treatment (also known as root filling or endodontic) means removing damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left. The remaining tooth can then be repaired.

What will my dentist do?

• An x-ray can show the number and shape of the root canals, and also signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Teeth can have a number of roots and some roots are easier to fill than others, because of their shape.
• To keep root canals dry during treatment the dentist may stretch a sheet of thin rubber around the tooth, on a frame outside the mouth; this is called rubber dam. Having this fitted makes the treatment more comfortable.
• You will be given a local anesthetic, and then an opening is made through the top of the tooth, down into the pulp.
• The dentist then uses narrow files to remove the dead pulp from the core of the tooth and from the root canal(s).
• At this point, the dentist may put in a temporary filling and possibly also give you antibiotics if any infection has spread beyond the tooth. If so, you will have to return at a later date, once symptoms have settled, so the dentist can complete the treatment.
• In the next stage, the dentist fills the root canal(s). A filling is then placed in the remaining cavity in the top of the tooth. Or, if necessary, a crown can be placed on top of the tooth, supported by a post placed inside of the filled root canal.
• Root filled teeth can become darker than other teeth, but bleaching can be used to make them look lighter.