Frequently asked questions about Root Canal Treatments
- What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the nerve from the tooth by drilling a hole in the top surface of the tooth. The inside is cleaned out with discinfectants and needle-like instruments. The root canal is then dried and a rubber filling placed down the inside of the tooth.
- Does it hurt?
The mention of ‘root canal’ evokes images of severe pain. In truth, however, root canal treatment is maligned unfairly. Advances in technology, and the experience of our professional staff have made root canal treatment far less painful than its reputation suggests.
- When is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth gets infected. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth. The pulp goes from the crown of your tooth to the tip of the root in your jawbone. Normally, the tooth protects the pulp, but if the tooth is damaged by a very deep cavity, or a crack, or trauma from repeated repairs, bacteria can reach the pulp. Then the bacteria grow from the crown towards the root, pus accumulates at the root tops, the mouth becomes painful and sensitive to hot and cold. Not all pulp infections bring pain, sometimes they spread so slowly that the patient feels nothing.
- How is root canal treatment performed?
Root canal treatment occurs in three stages.
- Diagnosis
- Your dentist will remove the pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth in preparation for the filling. Sometimes antibiotics are applyed to prevent further infection.
- A temporary filling is placed at the crown opening. Finally, during a subsequent appointment, a crown is installed to seal the tooth and protect it from further damage or infection.