Root Canal Treatment

When the nerve of a tooth dies, it is necessary to remove the compromised nerve contents. Otherwise, it will cause an infection and possibly fever, swelling and an abscess (collection of pus).

Different teeth have different numbers of nerve (or root) canals. An incisor might only have 1 nerve canal whilst a molar could have as many as 4. Treatment complexity increases (as those the number of visits required) with the number of root canals.

Surgery is sometimes required to save badly compromised teeth. Such procedures include:

Apisectomies: In this procedure, the tip or apex of the root is surgically removed along with the surrounding infection to allow the bone to heal right up to the amputated root.
Root resection: This is when an entire root of a multi-rooted molar tooth is removed to save the remaining tooth.
Hemisection: Up to half the tooth might be removed here to save the rest. The remaining tooth structure can then be restored and tooth loss minimised.

Sealed root canal: All root filled molar teeth should be restored with a crown

What are the benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment saves a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Although the pulp has been removed, the tooth is still anchored in the bone and can be used for biting and chewing.

What to expect during your appointment

The process of removing the infected nerve contents (or Root Canal Treatment) normally takes 2 or 3 visits and involves cleaning the root canals with special instruments called files and eventually filling the canals with a biocompatible sealer. The tooth is then ready for a permanent restoration.

Root Canal Treatment can sometimes be completed in one visit but often several visits are needed. Back teeth usually require more time for treatment because they have more canals and are harder to reach.

During Root Canal Treatment, X-rays need to be taken at each stage to assess the lengths and positions of the canals.

Read more about Root Canal Treatment here

When can I resume my normal activities?

Most patients can go back to their normal daily activities on the same day. However be careful not to use treated tooth to bite or chew until you have had it capped with a crown. The unrestored tooth is vulnerable, so you should see get it fully restored as soon as possible.

Is it painful?

Most patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure. There may be some sensitivity with treated teeth for a few days. Do consult your dentist if this persists.