This tooth nourishing tissue is known as the pulp and, once it has been removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed.
The most common cause of pulp damage is severe decay or a fracture that exposes the pulp to bacteria, which may cause infection. Other causes of pulp damage include traumatic injury such as a blow to the mouth, a cracked or loose filling, repeated fillings in a tooth, and occasionally periodontal disease.
Root canal therapy can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted and although the pulp is removed in the process, the treated tooth is kept alive by the surrounding tissues. Retaining a natural tooth is the best option for your oral health and your pocket!
Endodontic treatment can usually be performed in just one or two visits and involves the following steps:
Modern techniques mean root canal therapy involves little or no discomfort. And often patients are grateful for the pain relief provided by the treatment itself.
Cleaning the root canals may cause slight tenderness after treatment but over-the-counter pain killers can help alleviate the discomfort. If pain persists or gets any worse, be sure to call your dentist.
The alternative to root canal therapy is the extraction of the infected tooth, but loss of a tooth can create functional and aesthetic problems. A lost tooth can also be replaced with a denture, bridge or implant but these treatments can be more costly.
If carried out to a high standard, root canal therapy is successful in 95% of cases. Problems can occur if the tooth develops decay, the restoration placed on the tooth fails, the tooth develops a crack or, despite good care, the tooth does not heal as expected. If appropriate, further endodontic treatment or surgery may be carried out.
Any more questions? Give us a call on 0117 968 4888.