Endodontics » Root Canal Treatment

• Root canal Therapy is most commonly undertaken when:

  1. the nerve or nerves inside the tooth are inflamed (pulpitis)
  2. There is an abscess present.
  3. If there is insufficient tooth substance left to hold a permanent restoration, and the root needs to be utilised for extra support.

  Treatment

  1. Removal of a dead or dying nerve and blood supply from within a tooth.
  1. An attempt is made to provide a seal all the way along the root canal, using medicated cement and special filling material.
  2. Single or multiple visits maybe required, depending on the difficulty.

  After Effects

  1. Bruising and soreness may occur after each visit. This is quite normal, and should gradually resolve over a 24-48 hour period.
  2. Success over five years can be as high as 95%.
  3. Antibiotics maybe required, if the bone around the tooth is infected.

  Problems

  Although Root Canal Therapy is carried out routinely, it can be a very complicated, lengthy and expensive procedure. It is often a last resort to try to save the tooth

  There will be failures due to persistent infection, re-infection, or the inability of the tooth to support a permanent restoration.

  These are beyond our control, but all attempts are made to minimise failure.

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