What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that aims to remove the infected or dead nerve inside the tooth. Once removed, the next stage is to disinfect and clean the inside of the tooth (rendering it bacteria-free). The final stage is sealing the root canals with root-filling material.
When is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
Our teeth are formed of three distinct layers:
- Enamel (the outermost and strongest layer);
- Dentine (the second layer that protects the pulp); and
- The pulp (the blood and nerve supply of each tooth).
Once the pulp becomes infected or starts dying inside (necrosis), the only way to save the tooth is through root canal treatment.
The most common cause of pulp necrosis and/or pulpitis (pulp infection) is when the bacteria from tooth decay penetrate through the enamel and dentine reaching and infecting the pulp.
Other causes of pulp necrosis are tooth trauma or deep microscopic cracks in the tooth structure that extend to the pulp.
How can I Prevent Pulpitis or Pulp Necrosis?
Regular preventative dental checkups are recommended to detect early tooth decay and stop it from propagating into the deeper layers of the tooth.
Don’t wait until you have pain because by then prevention is probably too late!
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
Root canal treatment is completed under local anaesthesia which renders the procedure itself pain-free. Whether you go to your local dentist or endodontist, your dental professional will endeavour to take the best care so you can keep on smiling!