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Root Canal Treatment

Toothache is dreadful. It more often than not stems from inflammation and infection in the soft tissue (dental pulp) at the centre of the tooth. This can occur after tooth decay, leaky fillings, gum disease and damage to teeth as a result of trauma, such as a fall. Leaving a tooth untreated can be painful and lead to an abscess (collection of pus).

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat and clear infection at the centre of a tooth. It is a procedure that can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.

Procedure for a root canal treatment usually requires more than one visit:

  • Consultation and thorough examination with x-rays, also to ensure the tooth is not too badly damaged for root canal treatment.
  • Local anaesthetic is administered to ensure the procedure is painless.
  • A rubber sheet (dam) is placed around the tooth to keep it away from contaminants in the mouth. The rubber dam also prevents you from swallowing or breathing in any of the chemicals used during a root canal treatment.
  • The dental pulp is accessed through the crown of the tooth, and removal of any infected pulp tissue that remains.
  • The pulp canals are cleaned and enlarged.
  • The root canal treatment may be completed in this visit, or a dressing and temporary filling is placed to allow the tooth to settle before completing the root canal filling at a subsequent visit.
  • The temporary filling and dressing are removed, and the root canal filling inserted. This along with a filling, seals the tooth and prevents reinfection.

More often than not, a tooth which has been root filled will require a crown to protect it from breaking in the future. Your dentist will discuss this with your treatment options.

At Red House Dental, we practice the latest techniques using high quality rotary endodontic instruments.

Contact us to arrange an appointment