Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment is a procedure commonly performed to remove an inflamed or infected dental pulp from the tooth. This procedure will relieve the patient of dental pain and help preserve the function of the tooth.
A tooth with infected pulp will develop severe throbbing pain. If untreated, the pulp will become necrotic and the disease will spread to the tip of the tooth. The tooth will be tender to biting and tapping. Subsequently, swelling will develop and form an abscess (Fig. 01)
The patient is anaesthetised and the tooth is isolated under a rubber dam. This will ensure sterility of the operating site. The tooth is accessed from the top to expose the inflamed pulp. The pulp is removed using rotary instrumentation under the aid of a surgical microscope (Fig. 02).
The space created is disinfected with irrigants and sealed with gutta percha. Gutta percha is a rubber-based material which is inert to the body. The access is sealed with a temporary filling or a permanent core build-up (Fig. 03). After the root canal treatment, the infection at the tip of the tooth will resolve and the bone will heal with time (Fig. 04).
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, our team of experienced endodontists can help:
Aching Jaw
Tooth Pain
Cracked Tooth
Dental pain
Fractured Tooth
Swollen Gums
How can Root Canal Treatment Help?
Often, root canal treatment can help relieve dental pain and save your tooth.
When is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
If you have an infection or inflammation in your tooth pulp, you may require root canal treatment.
Here are potential symptoms include:
A crack or chip in the tooth
Darkening of the gums
Deep decay
Pimples on the gums
Severe pain when you bite or chew
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
Swollen or tender gums
What are the Causes of Tooth Pulp Inflammation or Infection?
A tooth pulp inflammation or infection could be caused by the following:
A crack or chip in the tooth
Deep decay
Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
What happens if Pulp Inflammation or Infection is left untreated?
An abscess could form or you could feel pain in your tooth. This pain could get worse the longer it goes untreated. In some cases, even drinking water can be painful.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
During the Procedure
Modern anaesthetics and endodontics procedures are performed to relieve tooth pain or toothaches caused by inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp. According to data from the American Association of Endodontists, the majority of patients felt comfortable during their root canal procedure.
After Treatment
Your tooth could feel sensitive a few days after treatment. Sensitivity or discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter medication or a prescription from your endodontist.
Are you Experiencing a Tooth Injury, Tooth Decay, or any Form of Dental Pain?
Consult our endodontists today.
*Twin City Endodontics is a CHAS and MediSave-accredited dental clinic.
*Dental surgeries are MediSave-claimable. For more information, please refer to MOH’s website.
*Treatment costs vary depending on the complexity of each case and you will be advised during consultation.