Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling. The pulp consists of specialised dental cells, blood vessels, tissue fibres and some nerve fibres located in the hollow space in the central part of the tooth. The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.

Success rates for endodontic treatment are generally good. A very good per cent of patients who undergo root canal treatment can expect a functional tooth after the treatment. The treated tooth should last a very long time, provided that you maintain good oral hygiene and generally look after your teeth. Of course, no therapy or replacement will last as well as a healthy tooth.

Tooth Anatomy

A tooth is mainly made of a hard material called Enamel. Enamel is the surface layer that protects the visible part of the tooth (crown). The part of the tooth that sits beneath the gum line is called the root. The root helps anchor the tooth into the jaw. Generally, front teeth have only one root, while molars have several. There may be several root canals in one root.

The hollow centre of a tooth is called the pulp chamber. This area contains the blood vessels, nerves and pulp. The pulp is a sensitive tissue that provides oxygen, nutrients and feeling to the tooth. The main function of the dental pulp is to regulate the growth and development of the tooth during childhood. The pulp extends from the roof of the pulp chamber down into the bottom of each root canal. Once the tooth is fully formed, nutrition for the tooth comes from the tissues surrounding the root. Therefore, a tooth can function without its pulp and, in the majority of cases, can be kept indefinitely.

Symptoms Of Tooth Pulp Damage Or Disease

A diseased tooth pulp may cause inflammation or infection. The symptoms of a damaged or diseased tooth pulp may include:

  • 1. Unprovoked or spontaneous pain.
  • 2. Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods.
  • 3. Pain when biting or chewing.
  • 4. Loosening of the tooth.
  • 5. Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth.
  • 6. Oozing of pus surrounding the affected tooth.
  • 7. Facial swelling.

Sometimes, tooth pulp may become damaged or diseased without presenting any symptoms. In these cases, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or x-rays during a dental check-up or treatment for other dental concerns.

Causes Of Tooth Pulp Damage Or Disease There are many events that can lead to disease or damage to dental pulp. Some of these include:
  • 1. Deep-seated and untreated dental decay.
  • 2. Decay beneath a deep filling.
  • 3. Trauma that damages a tooth.
  • 4. Habitual tooth grinding (bruxism).
  • 5. Long-standing cracks in the teeth.
  • 6. Advanced gum disease.
  • 7. Complications of tooth pulp infection.
 
If Tooth Pulp Infection Is Left Untreated, Complications Could Include:

Spreading infection – once the pulp becomes infected, it loses its ability to fight the spread of the infection. If bacteria find their way into the pulp chamber, the bacteria will multiply unchecked. This can cause a severe infection or an endodontic abscess (a pocket or ‘blister’ of pus) when it spreads into the surrounding bone

Localised bone loss – the infection may spread around the ends of the infected root canal and erode surrounding jaw bone

loss of tooth – the tooth may have to be removed, which interferes with the person’s ability to bite and chew. Subsequent tooth replacement with dentures, bridges or dental implants are costly and may not be possible or tolerated, especially if the infection has already caused advanced bone loss.

Diagnosis Of Tooth Pulp Problems:

The dentist will listen to your symptoms, examine your teeth and perform other special investigations including taking x-rays. These x-rays also help the dentist to plan for the root canal treatment by revealing the number, size and curvature and depth of the roots, and showing how complicated the procedure may be.

Root Canal Treatment Has Four Main Aims:

Removing active decay and infection – any old or leaky fillings, tooth decay, infected nerve tissue, pus and debris are removed

Shaping the canals – in order to be filled well, the canals within the tooth root need to be shaped into smooth, hollow tunnels that are free of irregularities where residual bacteria may have been harboured. This shaping process involves small instruments, special disinfectants and medication. It may take a few weeks to months for these solutions to take maximum effect against stubborn bacteria within the tooth, and this step may have to be repeated several times.

Filling the canals – to prevent bacteria from re-infecting the empty canals in your tooth, they are permanently sealed with a long-lasting barrier material.

Making the tooth functional again – to make sure no bacteria from the oral environment can leak back into the tooth, a large, well-sealed restoration is put on the tooth (such as a crown). Teeth that require root canal treatment have sometimes lost considerable tooth structure due to previous decay or cracks, and may require further protection in the form of porcelain, gold alloy crowns or other similar materials.

Cosmetic Issues After Root Canal Treatment:

A normal tooth with a healthy pulp is yellowish-white in colour. A pulp-free tooth may eventually turn grey. The dentist can advise you on appropriate aesthetic (cosmetic dentistry) procedures.

You may need one or more visits to complete the endodontic treatment, depending on the complexity of the case. The exact procedure chosen by your dentist may differ from the procedure outlined here. Sometimes you may need to be referred to a root canal specialist. Ask us for further information.

Extracting the tooth will be a cheaper way out, but if possible root canal should be the preferred treatment option.

By Removing The Tooth The Following Issues Can Arise:
  • 1. Drifting of adjacent teeth.
  • 2. Drifting of opposing teeth.
  • 3. Bone loss in the extracted area.
  • 4. Appearance issues.
  • 5. Functional issues.
  • 6. Spacing’s created between teeth.