Root Canal Treatments

The aim of root canal treatments is to save a tooth that has been damaged due to decay or injury. Most people prefer to save their natural tooth for many reasons; cleaning is easier, speech and eating remain constant and anything else is second best.

Root canal treatments involve the removal of the inflamed or infected pulp and is completed in 2 stages, in most cases. To gain access to the pulp, the tooth is opened with a drill. Each root canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped using special titanium files.

An antibiotic and anti-inflammatory paste is placed inside each canal. If there is soft tissue swelling also present, then oral antibiotics may also be indicated.

At Budi Dental we use the latest root canal treatment equipment and protocols enabling us to report a 92% success rate. Sometimes however, the decay has progressed too far and extraction is the only option.

FAQs related to root canal treatments

Q. Is root canal treatment painful?

Often when root canal treatment is indicated, the patient is already experiencing some pain or discomfort. Local anaesthetic is given to anaesthetise the tooth responsible.

If the patient still feels cold sensitivity when gaining access to the pulp, the dentist can administer local anaesthetic directly into the pulp.

This does sting momentarily, however provides profound anaesthesia allowing the root canal treatment to continue without further discomfort. After stage 1 is complete most patients report they are pain free the next day.

Q. What are the risks of having root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is not always successful. The following are risks which have to be understood and managed:

1. The bacteria in the canals are too strong (virulent) or have been present for such a time that they cannot be sterilized. Files can break within the canal or the tooth itself can crack. The tooth may have accessory canals which the dentist cannot find.

2. The tooth will in most cases turn various shades of grey over time, and the remaining tooth structure becomes brittle. These risks are managed by placing a lab fabricated restoration (crown) on the tooth. This solves the colour and brittleness issue.

Q. Does the tooth still feel normal after root canal treatment?

Yes the tooth should feel no different to before problems started with the tooth.

Q. Will the tooth last the rest of my life after having root canal treatment?

In my experience, I have seen teeth that have had root canal treatment and a crown placed last 35 years and I have seen them last 4 years.

Patients must realise that at-home hygiene practise is still paramount. Decay can still form under the junction between the tooth and crown, therefore regular flossing is crucial.

Q. Can the tooth be re-infected?

The original infection in the damaged tooth is likely to resolve completely after root canal treatment. The risk of re-infection is very low. If the tooth becomes infected again, the tooth may have to be treated again or removed.