Root Canal Treatment
What is a Root Canal Filling?
Root fillings or Root canal treatments are needed when a large cavity in a tooth reaches the nerve chamber, or in some cases when a tooth breaks. Root filling involves removing bacteria and damaged or dead nerves from inside the tooth and then cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, before filling to seal them.
Within every tooth is a nerve chamber and a blood supply in the root canal. In a healthy tooth, these nerves will be alive. Front teeth will normally have one root holding them in the jaw bone, but back teeth can have two, three or four.
If a large cavity in a tooth reaches the nerve chamber, or if a tooth breaks, bacteria can cause the nerves to die. The root canals can become infected and an abscess may form beneath the root(s) of the tooth, in the jawbone. Pain (occasionally severe) may occur at any time during this process, and the infection can spread.
The dentist may refer you to a specialist endodontist to undertake the root canal treatment.
What is the treatment?
Dentures can make you feel more comfortable about your smile and make eating and speaking easier. They are removable substitutes for missing teeth, and can be made as partial dentures, replacing a few missing teeth, or full or complete dentures, replacing a whole set of teeth
Dentures are usually made from an acrylic base - a type of plastic, which is fitted with artificial teeth, and will be made to look as natural as possible.
Is treatment painful?
Not usually local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure, and every possible step is taken to ensure that you are comfortable while the work is carried out. Following treatment, you will be informed of the possibility of discomfort from the area. This is usually minor, and does not last long.
How long does the treatment take?
This can vary according to the complexity of the root canals, the presence of infection, or if re-treatment is being carried out. Sometimes treatment can be carried out in one session lasting between one to two hours. Although further treatment may be required if the canals are infected, or are being retreated.