Root Canal Treatment
aka RCT, Endodontic Treatment, Root Filling
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Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth, the pulp.
Root canal treatment can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed.
What is a root canal?
What is a root canal?
Inside every tooth is a small space containing soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp space extends from the centre of the tooth down through the roots and is known as the root canal system.
Think of your tooth like a pencil:
the outer shell (like the wooden part) is made up of hard enamel and dentin.
the inner core (like the pencil lead) is the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels live.
The root canal system can be quite complex. It may contain several canals and numerous small branches extending through the roots of the tooth.
The pulp is highlighted in pink. Note how complex the pulp can be.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
What is Root Canal Treatment?
When the pulp (nerve) inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged, usually as a result of decay, cracks or trauma, it can cause pain, infection and sometimes an abscess.
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a complex procedure used to clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, removing the infected or damaged pulp and sealing the root canals. By removing the source of the infection and inflammation, RCT can relieve toothache and help the tooth return to comfortable, healthy function. It also allows you to keep your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
Procedure
Procedure
1. Open the tooth
2. Removal of infected or damaged pulp tissue within the root canal
3. Thoroughly cleaning the root canal to eradicate any bacteria
4. Filling the root canal space with an inert rubber material called gutta percha
5. Sealing the root filling to prevent repeat infection.
Do I need a crown after Root Canal Treatment?
Do I need a crown after Root Canal Treatment?
After a tooth has undergone Root Canal Treatment, it is important to protect the tooth.
A root filled tooth is more likely to fracture than one that is not. This is because the tooth has been heavily restored before with little
A restoration that covers the whole biting surface of the tooth, normally a crown or onlay, is often recommended; particularly on back teeth.
A post is sometimes needed to provide support in a root filled tooth too.
Further Reading
Further Reading
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