Root canal treatment is needed when the blood supply or nerve of a tooth is infected. This can happen because of decay or after an injury, and often leads to a dental abscess. If root canal is not done the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Root canal treatment does not hurt. Usually you will have a local anaesthetic and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. Root canal treatment will involve 2 or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment your dentist will clean the root canal (the space in the centre of the tooth) and shape it ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and, when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
After root canal treatment the tooth will be dead and may be more brittle. You may need to have the tooth restored with a crown to give it extra support and strength. Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure. There may be some tenderness afterwards but this should gradually get less over time. You should look after any root treated teeth just the same as any other tooth.
Tips for Care after a ROOT CANAL
A treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Root canals have a high success rate. Here are a few ways to take care of your teeth after a root canal:
- Practice good oral hygiene – brush teeth twice a day, and floss at least once. Taking care of your teeth can help prevent future problems.
- Visit the dentist regularly – cleanings and examinations by dentists and hygienists.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods – chewing on hard foods such as ice can cause teeth to break, and can harm root canals.
