Also known as endodontics, root canal treatment is designed to save a tooth, by removing damaged, or decayed nerve and pulp structure. The inside surface of your tooth is then cleaned, filled and sealed.
This prevents an abscess forming, or the infection spreading through the root canal system. Both could lead to wider issues, including tooth loss.
The dental pulp system extends from the crown to the root of each tooth. This interconnects throughout your mouth and a tooth can be linked to more than one root canal, correct care is important for oral health.
Treatment Procedure
The need for treatment may emerge from symptoms, x-rays, or a detailed examination. Root canal procedures are only carried out when they are a good solution and are no more arduous than a standard filling.
A local anaesthetic is applied and the infected pulp is removed, any abscesses present are drained, then the inside of the tooth is shaped ready to be filled.
In most cases, a second visit will be required, to ensure any infection has cleared. A temporary filling will be fitted until you return, when the area will be thoroughly checked, cleaned and permanently filled.
Whilst in the past, root filled teeth had been known to darken over time, this is now unlikely. Modern techniques help to prevent discolouration and should this happen, treatments are available to restore a natural appearance.
Care At Elgin
Root canal treatment takes time and is a skilled procedure. You will be treated by a specialist who is experienced in the technique and who will discuss all the details with you, including an accurate cost.
Success rates are high and in the rare cases where infection returns, root canal treatment can be repeated. Should your tooth lack sufficient strength at any stage, a crown can be fitted for extra support.
The alternative is having a tooth removed, when keeping your teeth is a better solution, for aesthetics and health. Once treated, your root canal filled tooth can be looked after in the same way as all your teeth.
As part of good dental treatment, we will keep an extra eye on a treated tooth at check ups and are happy to offer any further information you require on root canal care.
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