The infected pulp is removed and any infection is drained. The root canals are then cleaned, disinfected and shaped until ready for the permanent root filling. Root Canal Treatment Once the dentist is confident that the infection is gone, the root filling (a rubber material) is compressed into the canals to permanently seal them. A normal filling is then needed on top of the root filling to restore and seal the tooth. Sometimes the treatment will involve two or more long appointments.
A local anaesthetic is used and the whole procedure should feel little different to that of having a normal filling although the appointment will usually be longer. There will usually be some pain or discomfort for 3-4 days following the treatment. The tooth may feel slightly tender and “different” for a few weeks following treatment.
The alternative to RCT is the extraction of the tooth. Once the pulp is damaged, it cannot heal without treatment and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.
Sometimes a root treated tooth Zendodontics will darken after treatment. If any discolouration does take place, there are various cosmetic treatments available to restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
Root canal treatment is usually successful in about 80% of cases, although this depends largely on the difficulty of the individual tooth. If there should be a recurrence of infection the treatment can usually be repeated. If a tooth has a particularly difficult shape, or a complication, it is possible to refer to a specialist who can use advanced techniques and instruments to treat your tooth. Sometimes extraction of the tooth is the only option if treatment fails.
RCT is routinely offered in our practice for most teeth. However some teeth are more complicated to treat and require specialist attention to give a reasonable chance of success; in these cases referral may be recommended. Sometimes a tooth may be Emergency Dentist Springhead in a condition where RCT is not worthwhile; for instance teeth that have no useful function, teeth badly affected by gum disease, teeth that have split and teeth that cannot be reliably restored after RCT. If your oral condition is very poor and you have uncontrolled decay or periodontal problems, you will need to control these problems before embarking on root-treatment.