Root Canal Treatment
When do we need Root Canal Treatment ?
Root canal treatment is started when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The causes usually relate to deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures, trauma to the tooth that cause crack, crown or/and root fracture. Unusual cause such as Gum disease may also lead to root canal treatment.
What is the success rate of Root Canal Treatment ?
Root canal treated teeth can last a lifetime, as long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums. If properly treated, the success rate of root canal treatment is over 95%.
What are the steps for Root Canal Treatment ?
Step 1
Local anesthesia is administered via injections to numb the tooth to be treated and the surrounding tissues.
Step 2
Dental dam in place, used to isolate infected tooth from the rest of mouth.
Step 3
An access hole is drilled through the biting surface of an affected back tooth or from behind a front tooth, allowing access to the pulp chamber and root canals for treatment.
Step 4
The diseased and dead pulp tissue is removed from the tooth with specially designed instruments. This is painless as the area is numb.
Step 5
The canals are disinfected with antiseptic and antibacterial solutions during the whole procedure.
Step 6
The canals are then shaped with very small flexible instruments to allow them to receive root canal fillings and sealers.
Step 7
A very biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to fill the canal space in addition sealer. Several technique to deliver the gutta-percha and sealer into the root canal.
Step 8
A temporary or permanent filling material will then be placed to seal the access hole that was made to treat the canals.
Step 9
Post root canal treatment symptoms are minimal, generally lasting from a couple of days to about two weeks. It is normal to have some minor discomfort after treatment such as slight soreness that can usually be managed with over-the-counter (aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol) medications or prescription drugs, or both.
