Root Canals

When the nerve tissue in the canal of the tooth begins to deteriorate through decay, trauma, chipping or cracking, the elimination of this degenerate tissue by cleaning, shaping, and filling of the canal space is called Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics). More than one office visit is usually required.

On the initial visit

The tooth is first anaesthetized or numbed. An opening is made in the tooth to allow access to the canals so they may be cleaned, shaped and filled. A temporary filling is then applied to the opening until further treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present and has spread beyond the end of the root(s).

On the next visit

The temporary filling is removed and the root canal is filled and permanently sealed. (A metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for structural support.)

Before the procedure

As the tooth is anaesthetized prior to starting therapy, there is normally no pain or discomfort. However, if there is infection in the bone or around the roots, then some discomfort may be experienced in the initial stages of the treatment, but only for a short duration.

After the procedure

Medications are prescribed post-operatively to make sure this phase of treatment is comfortable. Some slight soreness and/or swelling may be present in the area for a few days.

The tooth may already be compromised from the fracture, large restoration or decay. A root-filled tooth tends to get brittle over time causing the tooth to fracture. A metal post in the root canal space and a crown or cap on top is usually recommended to prevent fracture of the root or tooth.

Root Canal Therapy is highly successful. Many factors, however, influence the treatment outcome: bone support around the root, forces on the tooth; strength of the tooth including possible fracture lines; shape and condition of the root and nerve canals, etc.

Fractures are one of the main reasons Root Canal Therapy can fail. Cracks that extend from the crown down to the root are visible and hard to detect. They can occur from traumatic injury, biting on hard objects, clenching and grinding habits. Whether the fracture occurs before or after the Root Canal Therapy, the tooth may need to be extracted or referred to a specialist for re-treatment.