Root Canal
Also known as Endodontic therapy, Root Canal treatments are medically designed to alleviate dental pain and save your teeth. They are performed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth canal becomes infected or inflamed. Most people get nervous about Endodontic treatment because they don't know what to expect - the actual procedure is relatively painless.
Root canal treatment may sound daunting and complex, but it does not have to be. You can always ask Dr Govender or Dr Desai to explain anything you do not entirely understand. Deep decay can cause inflammation and infection, repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip inside the tooth.
What is a root canal?
The root canals are very small spaces and require precision to treat. Most dentists use X-Rays to diagnose root canal problems and to verify that those canals have been sealed properly. Ultrasonic tools remove the old canal fillings and posts and clean the canals. Operating microscopes are also used to locate and check the canal system in its entirety.
Root canal treatment process
- Identify and diagnose a deep infection.
- The dentist numbs the tooth.
- Particular files are used to clean and remove the infected or inflamed tissue.
- The open tooth canals are filled with gutta-percha, the tooth canal filling material, which helps prevent further infection and contamination.
- A filling is placed on top of the permanent gutta percha to seal the opening.
- Finally, the crown is cemented into place.
Remember that you need a professional diagnosis for you to have the procedure performed. Contact our practice to book an appointment so that you can be examined and get a diagnosis.