The bacteria causing the infection or inflammation may spread through the root canal system of the tooth, eventually leading to an abscess. If Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is not performed, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted.
The infected pulp is removed and any infection is drained. The root canals are then cleaned, disinfected and shaped until ready for the permanent root filling.
Once the dentist is confident that the infection is gone, the root filling (a rubber material) is compressed into the canals to permanently seal them. A normal filling is then needed on top of the root filling to seal the tooth.
Root filled teeth are weaker and more brittle than live teeth. For this reason it is often advisable to restore the root-filled tooth with a crown to reinforce the tooth. Sometimes the treatment will involve two or more long appointments.
Endodontics is one of the most difficult disciplines in dentistry. Simple cases can be treatment in house by the dentist but for more complex cases it might be advisable to see a specialist. Here, at Wanstead Dental Practice we have a specific dentist who carries out our root canal treatments for us to the highest ability
The alternative to RCT is the extraction of the tooth. Once the pulp is damaged, it cannot heal without treatment and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.
Sometimes a root treated tooth will darken after treatment. If any discolouration does take place, there are various cosmetic treatments available to restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
If there should be a recurrence of infection the treatment can usually be repeated by a specialist.If a tooth has a particularly difficult shape, or a complication, it is possible to refer to a specialist who can use advanced techniques and instruments to treat your tooth. Sometimes extraction of the tooth is the only option if treatment fails.
Studies show that for back teeth you are six times more likely to lose the tooth if there is not an onlay or crown provided afterwards. Your dentist will discuss this with you before treatment.
