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Online
Resource: Want to find out about dental treatment?
Want to know how to look after your teeth better? Visit
the new BDA
Smile web site.
3D Education: Learn about dental
anatomy, conditions, treatments and good oral health
with the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational
web site.
What is root canal treatment? Watch a
root canal video here
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics)
is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth
(known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread
through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually
lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not
carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may
need to be taken out. A local anaesthetic is used and
it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling
done.
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from
the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to
prevent any further infection.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure.
Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits
to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed.
Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained
at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped
ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and
the tooth is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the
infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after
treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not
usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there
are several treatments available to restore the natural
appearance.
Click here
to see animations and learn more.
What if I don’t have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp
is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended
to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some
people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best
to keep as many natural teeth as possible. |
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