Endodontics – Root Canal
Root canal treatment is the replacement of an infected pulp (nerve) in a tooth with a specialist filling. The pulp comprises of mostly of nerves, veins and lymph vessels.
The causes of pulp damage are varied but include:-
• Deep decay
• Fractured tooth
• Blow to the tooth
• Severe grinding and wear
• Some types of gum disease
Root canal treatment is important as it can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. A lost tooth can be expensive and replacements are usually an inferior substitute.
Teeth can have up to 4 canals (roots) that need to be treated.
Procedure
With present anaesthetic and newer techniques the removal and treatment of an inflamed pulp is a comfortable procedure.
The pulp is removed and the canal is cleaned out.
It will usually take more than 1 appointment to completely clean and seal the tooth.
