Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling. Generally, a root canal is started when there is a clear sign that the tooth is infected or painful. This often could be due to either decay or a very large filling. Often accompanying there is a toothache and possibly an abscess. An x-ray and pulp test might be needed in order to assess the vitality of the tooth. The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.

Root canal treatment is often a multistep procedure that ranges from 2 to 3 visits. It also varies with a different type of tooth. Front teeth generally are straight forward and might require fewer visits compared to a molar or back teeth which are more complex and have multiple roots.

The initial treatment is fairly straightforward in which the nerve canal of the tooth is removed and replaced with some paste which settles and calms the tooth.

Subsequently, the tooth is dressed and finally, when the tooth is settled, a filling is placed within the root of the tooth. Then a temporary filling is placed on the tooth.

Often after the root canal is finished, the tooth is more brittle and might darken over time. This is due to the lack of vitality of the tooth. In order to protect the tooth and improve the colour of the tooth, often a crown is suggested to prevent future fracture of the tooth.

Sometimes, there are teeth with very complex and difficult root structure that bends or curves. In those cases, a referral might be needed for the best care of the tooth.