Root Canals
We suggest that patients who may require a root canal schedule a consultation with us. In this consultation, we will evaluate the tooth to determine if it's suitable for root canal treatment. Please note that no treatment will be performed during the consultation, which typically lasts up to thirty minutes. Longer appointments will be necessary for the actual root canal procedure, which can be scheduled for a later, convenient time.
What is a Root Canal?
Beneath the protective white enamel and another harder layer called dentine lies a delicate tissue called the pulp. This pulp contains both blood vessels and nerves.
When this pulp is harmed due to reasons such as tooth decay, fractures, or injury, it becomes inflamed or infected. This condition results in pain and necessitates treatment, which may involve either removing the pulp while preserving the tooth in the mouth through root canal therapy, or extracting the entire tooth, leaving an empty space.
Failure to address an inflamed or infected pulp can result in escalating discomfort and may lead to the formation of an abscess.
How is it done?
Root canal treatment typically takes two appointments. In the initial visit, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and a temporary filling is applied. After one to two weeks, the second phase begins, involving disinfection of the tooth's interior and filling the space with a rubber-like substance known as gutta-percha.
Subsequently, the tooth is restored with either a filling or a crown. We generally recommend crowning back teeth post-root canal treatment to safeguard against potential fractures. In cases where there's minimal remaining tooth structure after the procedure, a post and core may be necessary to support the crown. Once the final restoration is in place, the treated tooth functions like any other.
Despite the reputation for being painful, modern root canal treatment is similar to a routine filling, if not slightly lengthier. Treatment for back teeth tends to be more intricate, which is reflected in the pricing, inclusive of the final fillings.