ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
root canal treatment IS used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.
WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENt?
Root canal treatment is the procedure which removes the infected tissues from within the tooth and its narrow channels or “canals”. This is then followed by disinfecting and sealing the root canals off from the rest of the body using an inert material and cement.
As the canals are very fine, a microscope is used to enable visualisation during treatment. It usually requires two 1-hour visits to complete treatment. The ultimate objective is to create a barrier between the tooth and the rest of the jawbone.
ROOT CANAL Procedure
A local anaesthetic injection is required and the dentist will place a rubber sheet around the tooth to isolate the tooth. If the tooth affected is a back tooth, the procedure takes longer as premolars have 2 root canals and most molars have 3 root canals.
There may be some mild discomfort when biting on the affected tooth for the first 2-3 days after the procedure. Root canal treated teeth are weaker and will eventually darken in colour. It is recommended that a crown be used to protect the root canal treated tooth and also help restore structure and appearance.
ROOT CANAL SURGERY
Root canal surgery is an alternative method of treating an infected tooth by directly approaching the affected tip of the tooth through a minor surgical procedure.
A small incision is made and the infected root tip removed. The end of the tooth is then sealed. This approach is preferred if a crown has already been placed over a root canal treated tooth as it is difficult to access the affected root tip through the usual approach.
The medical term used is apicectomy or apex resection surgery.
SUCCESS RATE OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
The success rate exceeds 90%. However if the infection is extensive, or in back teeth where the canals are much narrower and curved, the success rate is lower. The success rate drops to around 70% in previously root treated teeth.
The lifespan of a root canal treated tooth is usually shortened as it is usually compromised structurally by decay, cracks or by the need to remove the internal core of the tooth in the process of saving it.
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