Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic Therapy)

Root canal treatment helps to save your tooth when there is damage or injury to the nerve and blood supply, often caused by tooth decay, trauma, cracked teeth or bacterial leakage from dental fillings. Symptoms of a problematic tooth may include hot and cold temperature sensitivity, pain on biting or chewing and possible swelling of the face or gums.  

The main benefits of root canal treatment is the obvious relief of pain and discomfort as well as preventing further spread of disease.  It will allow for a restored tooth that will generally last a long time if properly cared for.  It will not cause any significant changes to the adjacent or opposing teeth and allows for normal biting and chewing sensation.  Just as importantly, it allows you to keep your natural tooth and your natural smile.  

Root canal treatment aims to save the infected tooth by carefully cleaning and disinfecting the canal system, followed by placement of a root filling material and sealer.   After completion of treatment, a crown or filling is placed to seal the root filling and to support the tooth.  Putting off or delaying treatment can make it difficult or even impossible to save your tooth.

We know that approximately 85% of root canal treatments performed are successful over a 10 year period.  It is important to realise that no procedure has a 100% success rate, and there will be situations which may require a repeat treatment or even root canal surgery.  Uncommonly, there may be events whereby accessory canals that were initially undetected become infected.  Also, as endodontic files are very fine instruments, if the canal system is unfavourably curved, narrowed or blocked, these instruments may fracture.   

Most root canal procedures are well tolerated. The vast majority of people feel completely normal after a few days as the recovery period following root canal treatment is minimal.  There may be some inflammation and discomfort during this time and over-the-counter painkillers should be adequate for most people.

The alternative to root canal treatment is to have the tooth removed and the space replaced with an implant, bridge or denture.  It is also possible to leave it as a space.  However, this can cause the neighbouring teeth to drift and tilt, changing the bite and this may affect your ability to chew normally. While having your tooth extracted may cost less initially, the long term effects can be much more expensive to replace.  When given the choice and where the situation indicates,  it is always best to keep your natural teeth.