Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

 

The aim of Root Canal Treatment (also known as “Endodontic” Treatment), is to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury, rather than having it extracted.

Root Canal treatment will involve several visits to your dentist to complete. These visits consist of, removing the inflamed or infected pulp of the tooth’s root canals, cleaning, disinfecting and shaping the root canals, and then filling the canals. X-rays will be taken also. A temporary filling will protect the inside of the tooth between visits and on completion a permanent filling will be placed. In some cases an artificial crown made of porcelain or gold may be recommended to protect strengthen or restore an acceptable cosmetic appearance.

As with all dental treatments, root canal treatment has risks. The following list provides information of the potential problems and uncommon complications that can occur during this treatment. Please ask your dentist if you have any concerns about your Root Canal Treatment.
                           

  • Loss of tooth:  While Root Canal Treatment can save most teeth, your dentist cannot guarantee that it will be successful in every case and it is not possible to predict how long the treatment will last. Success may depend on a patient’s general health, age, capacity to heal, oral hygiene and many other specific factors affecting the tooth, particularly the amount of the remaining tooth structure.

A very important factor is the final restoration (filling/crown). Be sure to have your tooth restored completely. Otherwise, bacteria can re-enter the tooth and cause another infection.
  

  • Infection: Infection in the damaged tooth is likely to resolve completely once treatment is undertaken. The risks of re-infection are low. However, if the infection occurs again, the tooth may have to be treated again or be removed.

 

  • Pain and Discomfort: Some people may continue to have pain or discomfort around the tooth during and following treatment. Your dentist may recommend a pain reliever. If the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, tell your dentist. Additional treatment may be required.

 

  • File Fracture: Special metal files are used to clean the inside of the root canal. These instruments are very fine and occasionally may break during use. Special procedures may be needed to remove the broken portion of the file, or you may be referred to a specialist. In some cases it may not be possible to remove the fractured portion of the file: the long term affects of this will depend on many factors, such as whether the canal was I infected and whether it had been cleaned before the file fractured. Your dentist will discuss this with you and in more detail if a file fracture occurs.

 

  • Weakness: Teeth that have undergone Root Canal Treatment may not be as strong and durable as a normal, healthy tooth. This is especially in the case of the back teeth (molars), and this is why a crown would be recommended.

 

  • Altered Feeling: During and after treatment, the tooth may feel different from the other teeth. This should disappear gradually. If the feeling persists, inform your dentist as further treatment may be needed.
  • Discolouration: In some cases, the treated tooth may become darker in colour. If it is a front tooth that is affected, this can be treated by bleaching or an artificial crown or veneer can be placed.

 

  • Re-treatment: Pain or infection may occur months or years after a tooth has been treated. This is usually due to further deep decay, trauma, a cracked tooth or a cracked filling that has allowed bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection. More treatment may be required to save the tooth.