Root canal treatment is a procedure that aims at eliminating pain and repairing a damaged/infected tooth instead of removing it. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning/disinfecting it before filling and sealing.

Reasons for root canal treatment

- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth

Signs/Symptoms for possible root canal treatment

- An abscess (pimple like swelling) on the gums.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food items/drinks
- Severe toothache (worse at night, worse when biting)
- Tooth changing color (when the pulp is dead)
- Tooth mobility

What does root canal treatment involve?

You will not feel pain during the procedure as it is done under local anesthesia. The procedure may be done in a single appointment or more depending on the severity (typically 3). The tooth is isolated to keep it free of saliva. An access opening is then made on top of the tooth. Series of instruments (file) are placed into the canals to remove pulp tissue, nerves, and bacteria. The canals are irrigated copiously with endodontic irrigants. Clean canals are then dried and the tooth sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling.

After root canal treatment

Your dentist may prescribe some medication on case basis (e.g antibiotics, nsaids) to augment the treatment and take care of any discomfort after treatment as the inflammation diminishes.
It is extremely important that you attend all the appointments for successful outcome (some may fail to turn up for subsequent appointments once pain is gone).
All teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. The crown will protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking and restore the tooth to full function.
Good oral hygiene practices and checkup visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.