Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is the recommended treatment for infected dental pulp or nerves in your teeth. Infections of this type can result in an abscess and/or discolouration of the affected tooth, along with other complications.
Below are some signs that you may require a root canal procedure:
- Tooth sensitivity following hot food or drink
- Pain when chewing
- Swollen gum tissue
- Facial swelling
If you require root canal treatment, your dentist will explain the steps involved and give you a written treatment plan to review. You are encouraged to ask any questions so that you feel fully informed. Although root canal treatments have traditionally been synonymous with pain and discomfort, modern dental technologies now allow your dentist to clean away infected pulp in an efficient and pain-free manner.
Tooth Abscess
Bacteria can infiltrate teeth that are decayed, damaged, or have a loose or leaking filling. Once soft pulp tissue has been affected by bacteria, infection can set in and may ultimately lead to the loss of your tooth. As dental pulp is an integral part of the root canal system, bacteria may also infect the surrounding tissue through small blood vessels at the root of your tooth.
If you develop an abscess it should be treated as soon as possible. Long-term infection of the root canal system can hamper the effectiveness of any future treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure designed to treat infection or irreversible inflammation of the nerve or pulp of a tooth. This may be caused by deep decay, a fracture of the tooth, or by severe periodontal disease.
If you require root canal therapy, your dentist will isolate the affected area by using a rubber dam. This serves to protect the newly cleaned tooth root and to prevent the antibacterial solution from entering the rest of your mouth.
Following root canal treatment, the affected tooth will require a dental crown to strengthen it and to protect it from further infections.
Root Canal Treatment (Multi)
Root canal work on the back teeth can pose additional challenges as numerous dental roots may have been compromised. These will need to be exposed and excavated so that the entire nerve can be removed. Once this has been done, your dentist will fill the cavity with gutta percha and fill the tooth.
Following root canal treatment, regular dental examinations are important so that any potential problems can be detected early and more complex root canal procedures can be avoided.