Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth.
The space inside the hard layers of each tooth is called the root canal system. This system is filled with soft vital dental pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels that keep your tooth living.
When bacteria enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become infected. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp, which may cause pain and swelling.
If pulp becomes irreversibly infected, it needs to be removed. Traditionally this resulted in a dental extraction and loss of the effected tooth. Root canal therapy however, is an alternative treatment solution aimed at saving your tooth from being removed.
An early diagnosis of an abscess or infection greatly increased the success rate of a root canal treatment, therefore it is important to visit your dentist regularly. If left untreated an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems, and is the greatest cause of discomfort often associated with the procedure.
After the preparation stage of a root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth, the hollowed-out tooth is sealed with an antibacterial filling.
If pulp becomes irreversibly infected, it needs to be removed. Traditionally this resulted in a dental extraction and loss of the effected tooth. Root canal therapy however, is an alternative treatment solution aimed at saving your tooth from being removed.
An early diagnosis of an abscess or infection greatly increased the success rate of a root canal treatment, therefore it is important to visit your dentist regularly. If left untreated an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems, and is the greatest cause of discomfort often associated with the procedure.
After the preparation stage of a root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth, the hollowed-out tooth is sealed with an antibacterial filling.
Once a successful treatment is completed the tooth must be restored to normal function.
Some cases may require the tooth to be crowned in order to restore adequate strength and aesthetics to ensure long-term treatment success.