Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment or Endodontics involves work inside the root of the tooth. It is carried out because the nerve in a tooth has died and become infected, or because it has become inflamed and painful.

This can happen due to trauma, decay or just general ‘wear and tear.’

The aim of the treatment is to remove dead or inflamed tissue from the nerve canals and to fill this space so bacteria cannot colonise it, causing ongoing infection.

Treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic (as for a normal filling) and should not be uncomfortable.

There are usually one or two appointments involved, depending on the particular situation. Following the filling of the root canals, the tooth is sealed with normal filling material.

Normal tooth

Infected tooth

Treatment

Completion

Aftercare The lack of a ‘live’ nerve in the tooth has little effect on its chewing ability as the main function of the nerve is during tooth formation and growth. However, root filled back teeth are more prone to cracking, because they are usually already heavily filled. Therefore it is usually recommended that a crown is placed on the tooth to protect it from fracture.

2 Queen Edith’s Way Cambridge CB1 7PN T: 01223 245266 F: 01223 412038 E: enquiries@devonshirehousedental.co.uk www.devonshirehousedental.co.uk aw-Devonshire Insertsx11 210x210mm.indd 5

11/02/2014 12:52