Root canal treatment helps to save a tooth that is badly damaged (with Severe Pulpitis for example). The dentist will first numb the tooth, so you don’t feel any pain. A small rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry. The dentist cleans out the inside of the tooth where the nerve was, then seals it to prevent infection.
After it is clean, the dentist seals the tooth and puts in a filling. The treatment usually takes one or two long visits, about 90 minutes each. Depending on how badly damaged the tooth is your dentist might suggest that a crown is placed to protect the tooth for the future.
How well does this treatment work?
Root canal treatment works really well for Severe Pulpitis. Studies show that after one year, 98% of treated teeth are pain-free and still work well. Even after five years, about 75% of teeth treated with a root canal treatment are still healthy and functioning, which means over 7 out of 10 teeth are saved long term.
Benefits:
- Relieves pain and prevents further damage or infection
- Saves the tooth
Risks:
- During treatment, there can be several challenges such as difficulty in locating and cleaning the root canals, accidental drilling through the tooth, and breaking of instruments. If a broken instrument cannot be removed, it may remain in the canal or require additional treatment later.
- In the short-term, you may experience pain and soreness after treatment. In some cases, the treatment may not always work.
- In the long-term, the treatment may fail (infection develops) and the tooth or root may break.
What next?
This procedure may take one or two visits. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and ensure the tooth is healing well. After the root canal treatment, the tooth is often weaker. To protect it, your dentist may recommend placing a crown or a filling to restore the tooth’s strength and function. If the treatment fails, further root canal treatment or tooth removal may be required.
