A Complete Guide to Root Canal Treatment

Overview of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure done to rescue a tooth afflicted by significant infection or damage.

This process entails the extraction of infected pulp material from within the tooth, sanitizing the region, and sealing it off to avert future infection.

‍

In contrast to common misconceptions, root canals represent a comfortable and crucial dental remedy that can rescue your original tooth and relieve discomfort.

‍

Parts of a Tooth

A tooth is a complex structure which is composed of several layers and parts despite its small size.

The major parts of a tooth are the crown and root.

• The crown area is the visible part of the tooth above the gumline which is covered with enamel, the hardest substance in our body.
• The root of the tooth is embedded in the jawbone and extends beneath the gumline, which is normally not visible.

‍

Front teeth usually have a single root while back teeth or molar teeth have 2 or 3 roots.

‍

The Root Canal

The root canal is a cavity within a tooth that houses the pulp of the nerve of a tooth. It is where blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth from the surrounding tissues.

• They provide nourishment to the tooth, which is why when it becomes infected, the tooth may feel pain or turn black or gray in color.
• When a tooth becomes decayed, bacteria can spread downwards from the surface of the tooth, which can then reach the pulp.
• This may cause pain and infection of the nerve which is usually irreversible if not treated.

‍

Root Canal Treatment

To remove the cause of pain and infection, root canal therapy is done to eliminate the pulp and prevent it from causing further infection and swelling. Root canal treatment is a great way to save infected or badly broken-down teeth.

It is a remarkable dental procedures which saves and restores teeth to prevent them from being extracted. This procedure can bring back the health and function of teeth while preserving the natural tooth structure from being damaged continuously.

‍

Where to get root canal?

Auckland Family Dental offers root canal treatment done in 1-2 sessions, with 90 minutes for each appointment. We also provide payment plans which can ease financial burdens on our patients.

‍

Root Canal Procedure

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

• The dentist will take x-rays to check the extent of infection and determine if root canal therapy is necessary. Palpation of surrounding tissues will also be done to check for any signs of abscesses.

‍

Local Anesthesia Administration

• The dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth. This will ensure that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

‍

Rubber Dam Isolation

• A dam will be placed to isolate the tooth and avoid saliva and debris from entering the area during the whole treatment process.

‍

Root Canal Access and Preparation

• An opening in the crown of the tooth will be made to gain access to the root canal.

• Once access is gained, the pulp tissue will be removed, and the canal will be cleaned. Small instruments called dental files are used to remove debris from the root canals. Irrigation will also be done using sodium hypochlorite solution to thoroughly clean the canals. Once the canals are shaped and cleaned, they are now ready to be filled and sealed.

‍

Root Canal Filling

• The endodontist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This will then seal off the canal to prevent reinfection.

Indications/Reasons for Root Canal Treatment

• Persistent toothache – severe and persistent tooth pain which is aggravated by chewing or pressure may indicate inflammation in the pulp tissue.

‍

• Prolonged sensitivity to cold or hot – lingering sensitivity even when the stimulus is removed may indicate irreversible signs of inflammation.

‍

• Abscess or swelling on gums – a bump on your gums near the affected tooth is a sign of abscess, which is a pus-filled infection caused by pulp infection.

‍

• Extensive decay – deep cavities which may reach the pulp can lead to infection and inflammation.

‍

• Trauma to tooth – if a tooth has been traumatized and became black or gray in color, it may indicate pulp infection and requires root canal therapy.

‍

Our practice, Auckland Family Dental, prioritize your oral health and will put your concerns in our top priority.

If you have questions or queries regarding root canal treatment cost, you can book an appointment at any of our clinic locations in: Milford, Drury, Parnell, New Lynn.