There are several reasons why a patient may require a root canal treatment. The most common causes are dental decay, deep fillings and sometimes crown preparations. Other reasons for carrying out this treatment may include trauma, cracks or fissures and grooves (defect in tooth formation). The bacteria located in the mouth can infect the pulp of the tooth resulting in inflammation of the nerve which may cause pain, necrosis (death and darkness of the tooth) or dental abscess.
Root canal treatment is the removal of the dental nerve which is located inside the tooth. To successfully remove this tissue, we use disinfectant irrigants and endodontic files. A rubber dam is placed on the mouth to avoid saliva getting inside the tooth where the treatment is been performed and prevent the irrigant leaking into the mouth. Once the canal has been successfully disinfected, it will be filled with cement and a rubber material (called Gutta-percha) to seal the root and avoid further leakages.
The root canal is not painful in the majority of the cases, if the patient experiences pain or discomfort during the procedure more anesthetic will be provided.
This depends on how much of the tooth has been removed. In the best case scenario a resin composite (white filling) will be chosen. However, if a white filling is not enough to keep the functionality of the tooth a crown or post-crown would be recommended, this treatment will usually be conducted by your own dentist.
Sometimes the patient can experience some pain which can be managed with painkillers. In rare occasions, a dental abscess can occur in which an antibiotic will be prescribed.
The success rate is very high, several scientific reports show that over 80% of the cases are successful. However, the success rate is dependent of the severity of the infection, complexity of the root canal anatomy and the condition of the tooth, as sometimes the tooth presents a very poor restorability. Whilst the tooth cannot be completely disinfected, the root canal treatment will significantly reduce the level of bacteria.
Pulpotomy involves the partial or complete removal of the pulp which is located in the pulp chamber. It is unlikely, this treatment will be required as the inflammation or degeneration of the nerve tissue is limited to a very small part of the tooth.
This treatment is typically performed in children over 8 years old whose adult teeth are not fully formed. This treatment involves partial removal of the nerve located inside the roots. The remaining nerve will aid the formation of the roots.
