Although teeth are hard calcified objects, their inner aspects contain nerve tissue, which runs from the tip or ‘apex’ of the root to the centre of the tooth known as the ‘pulp chamber’.  When a cavity is left untreated it can cause severe damage to the pulp.  Trauma as well as extensive restorative work can also cause the pulp to become inflamed and infected.  Once the canals which house the nerve tissue become infected your dentist performs the root canal procedure.

The most common symptoms are pain, temperature sensitivity to hot and cold and swelling in the area associated with that tooth.
 

■  The Procedure :
The procedure may take two or three visits of one hour each, depending on which tooth is infected.

A rubber dam is placed and the tooth is drilled to the pulp.  Bacteria, nerve tissue and breakdown products are removed from the pulp chamber.  The canals which contain the damaged nerve tissue are also cleaned with an antiseptic solution.  Medication is placed into the canals and the tooth is temporarily sealed.  This allows time for the infection to subside.

At the next visit the canals are thoroughly cleaned again and are finally filled with gutta percha, a flexible plastic material.  This seals the canals and prevents further bacterial contamination.  A crown or permanent filling will be done after there has been no sign of infection.  It is advisable to place a crown after root canal treatment has been completed on a tooth. Root canal teeth are prone to fracturing after root canal therapy and therefore the crown will protect the tooth for future strength and function.
 

“The Cerec Machine” – information to follow