Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth.
It involves the removal of the infected or injured pulp, which is the soft tissue located at the centre of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and potentially lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
The treatment is normally carried out over 2-3 visits, to allow the tooth to settle down completely before the final seal is placed.
First visit
Once the tooth is completely numb, the dentist will access the pulp chamber of the tooth and carefully remove the infected tissue, clean the canals and apply an antimicrobial solution.
Second visit
The canals are furthermore cleaned and shaped in order to accept the root filling material, which is placed at the last visit if the tooth doesn’t show any more symptoms. The root filling material will stop bacteria from entering into the tooth and prevent reinfection.
Strength and protection:
the benefits of a dental crown
Generally, teeth that have had a root canal treatment are ones in which the structural integrity of the tooth has been reduced, therefore it is advised to strengthen and protect it with a dental crown.
Crowns also form the best seal over the tooth, preventing bacteria from re-entering it and therefore prolonging the longevity of the tooth.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining the long-term success of root canal-treated teeth and overall oral health.
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Cosmetic dentistry offers solutions to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a person’s smile, with the goal of creating beautiful, natural looking smiles while maintaining or improving dental health.
General dentistry focuses on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common dental conditions, in order to maintain patients’ optimal oral health and their overall wellbeing.
