Root Canal Treatment

1. What is Root Canal Treatment?

This is required when the nerve or blood supply of the tooth (termed the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

2. Why is Root Canal Treatment needed?

Sometimes the pulp becomes infected and the infection may spread through the Root Canal system of the tooth. Eventually, this may lead to an abscess. If no treatment is carried out then the infection would spread.

3. Is is painful?

A local anaesthetic is used and therefore you should feel no pain during the procedure. For the next 24hrs after the procedure, you may suffer with slight discomfort. This discomfort can be relieved by painkillers, if required.

4. The Root Canal Procedure.

During the procedure all infection is removed from the canal system. The canal is then shaped and cleaned to prevent any further infection. A temporary filling is then put in and the tooth left to settle.

The Root canal filling is then completed at the next appointment. A permanent filling would also be required. In some cases a crown may be required.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and a time consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment can involve two or more visits. The total time required for the procedure can be up to 2 hours.

5. What is the alternative?

The alternative is to have the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.

Root canal treatment will be carried out by Dr. Maryam Khan who has a special interest in endodontics.

Further information contact http://www.dentalhealth.org.uk