Root Canal Treatment

What is a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

An inflamed or infected pulp (part of the tooth containing the nerve) as a result of decay, cracking or injury is called pulpitis. It is the most common cause of a toothache. To relieve the pain and prevent further complications, root canal treatment is necessary. The treatment involves the pulp of the tooth being removed, root canal cleaned and disinfected, root canal, the pulp chamber and cavity sealed with a filling. The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia; therefore, it is completely painless. A root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper dental care.

When Root Canal Treatment is Needed?

Root canal treatment is required when the pulp of the tooth has been infected. The pulp will begin to die as a result, allowing the bacteria to then multiply and spread.

The symptoms of a pulp infection include:

• Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and beverages
• Pain when biting or chewing

As the infection progresses, pain often disappears as the nerve within the pulp dies. Your tooth then appears to have healed, but the infection has in fact spread through the root canal.

You eventually get further symptoms such as:

• Pain when biting or chewing returning
• Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
• Pus oozing from the affected tooth
• Facial swelling
• The tooth becoming a darker colour

If your tooth is infected, the pulp cannot heal by itself. It's important to see your dentist without delay if you develop signs of infection.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Root canal treatment can save a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed from extraction. It prevents jawbone degeneration and other side effects of missing teeth.
• Root canal treatment prevents the spread of the infection and formation of an abscess.
• Root canal treatment restores the ability to bite and chew food without any pain.

Steps of the Procedure

• Clinical examination, evaluation of the X-Ray and consultation.
• Administration of local anaesthetic.
• Removal of the infected pulp and the nerves from the tooth, then thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting and enlarging the root canals to allow the dentist to fill them properly.
• Removal of any abscesses if present.
• Filling the root canal temporarily.
• Examination of the tooth a couple of days later to confirm it’s free from infection. 
• Permanently filling the canal and the tooth. In some cases, placing a metal or plastic post in the root canal to make sure the filling material remains in place is necessary.

Placement of a crown over the tooth to protect it where necessary.

Apex Locater

Specific to the case. In some cases, our patients may need to extend their holidays so that the treatment can be finalised or have it completed in their home country.