Root canal treatment is recommended when the blood or nerve supply (known as the pulp) becomes infected. All teeth have a root, some have more than one, and within each root there is a root canal system. These canals run through the soft interior tissue of your tooth and are filled with tiny blood veins and nerve endings. If the integrity of the tooth is compromised by tooth decay, leaking fillings or inner trauma from a fall or other injury, bacteria that naturally live in your mouth will invade this vulnerable canal system.
When this bacterial infection reaches the pulp, it can spread through and down the root canal system of the tooth, which can lead to an abscess. Quick diagnosis and root canal treatment can save the tooth and stop the infection, avoiding the need to extract the tooth.
Root canal treatments are a delicate process that requires the exacting skills of a dentist with endodontic training and experience. Colney Hatch Dental is proud to possess a dentist team with the high quality skills and experience necessary to successfully perform the intricacies involved in root canal treatments.
The goal of root canal treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal, clean the canal, and then fill it to prevent re-infection. There are several steps to the treatment and some may need to be repeated if multiple roots and their canal systems are infected:
Teeth that have had root canal treatment are more likely to break, so depending on your particular case, your dentist may recommend placing a full crown to protect and strengthen your tooth.
Once your root canal treatment is complete, your dentist will discuss the things you can do to keep your restored tooth healthy for a long time. Successful retention of your root-filled tooth depends upon how much of your natural tooth remains, maintaining good oral hygiene, and being mindful of excessive bite forces on your tooth.