The centre of a tooth contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, collectively known as dental pulp. The areas of dental pulp within a root are called root canals. If this tissue dies or becomes damaged, toothache or an abscess may result. Traditionally these teeth were extracted but now a root canal treatment can be offered. Circumstances in which a root canal treatment may be recommended include decay, deep fillings, trauma, tooth fracture and infection.
We take an x-ray to determine the health and location of the dental pulp. We then make a hole through the top of your tooth to access, clean and shape the root canals with a dental file and wash with a sterilising solution. The root canals can then be filled with a permanent filling.
Some teeth requiring root canal treatment are so badly damaged they will require a crown. These teeth are also weaker than natural teeth and a crown will provide more protection.
For more information on root canal fillings go to the Healthy Smile website
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