Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is needed to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the inflamed or infected nerve area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning it, disinfecting it, filling it and finally sealing it.

There a number of reasons why a tooth might need to be root filled; common causes affecting the pulp are:

• cracked tooth,
• a deep cavity,
• repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma.

Some teeth, particularly molars can crack, rendering RCT a non-viable option, because the intricate root system can be re-infected through the crack.

What is the procedure for RCT?

1. The dentist will numb your tooth with local anaesthetic.
2. The dentist will isolate the tooth with something called a rubber damn.
3. Once numb, the dentist will drill your tooth to expose the entrance to the canals.
4. The dentist then uses small files to clean the canals of diseased pulp ready for filling.
5. Canals are filled then and sealed off with cement.
6. Following a root filling, your dentist may suggest you crown the tooth because once a tooth has been root filled it no longer has a blood supply to it so it becomes more brittle. The crown can help strengthen the tooth and lengthen its life.

A treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care, however like all types of medical or dental procedures, they are not always successful and this would be discussed with you by the dentist prior to treatment.

For further information on any of these services or to book an appointment, contact us on 0208 300 8255.