Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from the innermost part of the tooth, helping to relieve symptoms and protect the tooth from further infection. Where appropriate, it can help save a natural tooth that may otherwise need to be removed. Some of the well-established advantages of root canal treatment include:

• Pain relief and reduction of discomfort caused by infected or inflamed pulp
• Preservation of natural teeth avoiding the need for extractions.
• Prevention of infection spreading to other teeth or the jawbone
• Improvement in oral health by eliminating a source of infection

Root canal treatment is carried out to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal the tooth to help prevent reinfection. Your dentist will first assess the tooth carefully and explain the most suitable approach for your treatment.

The process of delivering root canal treatment involves several steps, starting with an accurate clinical diagnosis, including the use of X-rays. A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp, using local anaesthetic where needed to keep you comfortable. Fine files are then introduced to clean and shape the root canals from within. Using gentle but effective disinfectant solutions, the tooth is carefully cleaned to remove infection. The tooth is then sealed in its root and crown with appropriate filling materials to help prevent reinfection, and a crown may be recommended if the tooth needs additional protection from biting forces.

In borderline cases, your dentist may recommend pulp-preservation therapies instead of root canal treatment. These include the use of materials that encourage the pulp to heal and protect itself from further irritation or infection. Called direct and indirect pulp capping procedures, these involve using calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate materials.

Genix dentists make use of modern techniques and technology, including nickel-titanium files that can flex with the shape of the root canal and apex locators, which help measure the length of the root canal during treatment.

Root canal treatments, like all other dental treatments, begin with a detailed check-up to identify the affected tooth. They usually require at least two appointments after the initial consultation, although in some cases it may be possible to complete your root canal treatment in a single visit. Your Genix dentist will advise you whether this is suitable for your tooth and treatment needs.

Your treatment will be planned and carried out as carefully and comfortably as possible, with the aim of treating the infection, protecting the tooth and completing your care within an appropriate timeframe.

The workflow for root canal treatments typically has the following steps:

Appointment 1
Clinical history, exam—including vitality tests—and x-rays to diagnose the teeth with issues

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Accessing the pulp through the crown under local anaesthesia if necessary

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Cleaning the tooth to the best possible extent, followed by placement of medicaments and a dressing if necessary

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Healing period

Appointment 2
Completing the cleaning of the tooth to the tip of its root, verified with an apex locator and x-rays

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Root filling, followed by crown filling with biocompatible materials to seal the tooth

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Done!

More appointments than two may be required if the infection is extensive. Also, it may be necessary sometime to prescribe antibiotics. Analgesics may be recommended to provide pain relief in the post-operative period.

Your dentist may recommend a crown to protect the tooth and to prolong its life in function if required. You can read more about crowns at Genix here.

Tooth decay, often referred to as a cavity, occurs when harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acids that gradually damage the enamel and dentine. If left untreated, decay can progress deeper into the tooth and reach the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. Once bacteria reach the pulp, infection can spread through the root canals and may affect the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth.

Typical symptoms of a tooth that may need root canal treatment include severe throbbing, sharp or shooting pain that lingers, especially after exposure to hot or cold temperatures, or spontaneous pain that worsens when lying down. Sometimes, it may be difficult to pinpoint the tooth that is causing pain, and this can be a sign that the pulp may be involved.

This scenario is quite common owing to the high prevalence of dental decay. As a result, a large number of people require root canal treatment for the following reasons:

• Treating severe, deep tooth decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth, causing infection in the tooth and the tissues around the root
• Treating cracked or chipped teeth where the damage has exposed the pulp to bacteria
• Managing teeth that have undergone repeated dental procedures which may lead to pulp damage
• Managing teeth that need to be intentionally devitalised as part of a wider treatment plan, for example before receiving a crown or supporting a bridge

• Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your treated teeth. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and floss regularly to help prevent further decay.
• Refrain from chewing very hard foods or biting down heavily on the treated tooth, especially until any permanent filling or crown has been placed.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups professional cleaning appointments.
• If you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist about using mouthguard to protect your teeth.

• Root canal treatments are not necessarily painful. Modern techniques and anaesthesia help make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
• It is important to follow to your dentist’s advice for care after the procedure, including getting a permanent filling and/or a crown on the root canal treated tooth where recommended
• New decay under crowns or around root canal treated teeth may not always cause pain. This is why it is necessary to monitor root canal treated teeth at regular dental check-ups. Report any unusual symptoms, such as swelling or persistent pain, to your dentist immediately.
• The fact that a tooth needed root canal treatment itself means that the tooth had extensive damage. Root canal treatment offers these teeth an opportunity to be preserved and continue functioning. In spite of the best attempts to preserve them, they can eventually fail, particularly when compared with healthy, undamaged teeth. This is a normal consequence of their previous damage and ongoing wear, and needs to be taken into account when setting expectations from this treatment option.

Root canal treatments are important dental procedures that can help save infected teeth and support overall oral health.

By understanding the process, benefits, and aftercare, patients can feel more informed about their treatment and help support the long-term health of their natural teeth. Step into your local Genix Practice confident that your Genix dentist will use appropriate techniques, materials and care to carry out this delicate procedure.