What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is used when the portion of the tooth containing the nerves and blood supply (known as the pulp) becomes infected. If left untreated the infection can spread and become an abscess. The treatment involves two or more trips to the dentist and is performed under local anaesthetic. At the first, the dentist will drill into the tooth and clean out the canals using special cleaning tools. You will then be fitted with a temporary filling. At the second, you will again be given a local anaesthetic and your tooth drilled into, but this time the dentist will fill the canals with gutta percha, a type of rubber. You will be given a permanent filling.
How does the Pulp Become Infected?
The pulp can become infected because of untreated tooth decay which leads to bacteria spreading into the tooth, severe gum disease which creates gaps between the teeth and gums allowing bacteria entry to the tooth, and by injury or trauma. In the case of injury or trauma the nerves may die rather than be infected, but the treatment remains the same.
What are the Alternatives?
Root canal treatment is one of the most daunting dental jobs for most patients, but unfortunately there are few alternatives. The only real option is to have an extraction, and while many patients feel they would prefer this, it is always better to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. Simply leaving the infection is not an option, since the risk of developing an abscess is high. Abscesses are more serious and can cause intense pain along with nausea, fever and difficulty swallowing.
Who can do this Treatment?
All dentists in Kent are capable of performing this treatment, but the specialist name for it is endodontics. If you decide you want specialist treatment, or there are complications in your treatment, you may be referred to a specialist endodontist.
Tags: Root Canal, temporary filling