Root canal treatment is also known as endodontics and enables a tooth to be saved rather than extracted. At Watlington Dental Centre, we strongly believe in preserving natural teeth wherever possible. Not only is this better for you, it is often more cost effective in the long term.
We use the latest technology to carry out your root canal treatment, under Dental Dam and magnification. You will be kept comfortable during your root canal treatment, in a relaxing environment.
Beneath your tooth’s outer white enamel is a hard layer called dentin and then a soft tissue called pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which helps the root grow during the tooth’s development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the surrounding tissues.
Modern endodontic treatment is very similar to a routine filling and not like the horrible stories you commonly hear. It is usually completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. During a root canal you will be kept comfortable in a relaxing environment.
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:
- Efficient chewing
- Normal biting force and sensation
- Natural appearance
- Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain
How does endotontic treatment save the tooth?
In the inside of your tooth the pulp may become inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns or a crack/ chip in the tooth. Trauma to your tooth may also cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess which could lead to endodontic (root canal) treatment.
Root canal treatment aims to remove the inflamed or infected pulp. The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected. It is then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth.
Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.