What is this thing to do with canalling my teeth?
Root canal treatment is used to heal infections of the pulp tissue of the tooth (the part which contains the nerves and the blood supply). It is essential to do this before the infection spreads and develops into an abscess, which is a pus filled area which can cause swelling in the tissues surrounding the tooth, and is often very painful. The treatment involves removing the infected pulp tissue and replacing it with gutta percha, a natural type of rubber.
What is the Procedure?
The procedure will take two or more visits to the dentist. At the first, you will be given a local anaesthetic before the dentist drills into your tooth to access the pulp. X-rays are taken and then the dentist will use special cleaning tools to clean out the infected tissues. More x-rays will be taken before the dentist provides you with a temporary filling. At your second visit, you will again be given a local anaesthetic, and again the dentist will have to drill into your tooth. After ensuring that the canals are now free from infection, the dentist will fill them in with gutta percha, and then fit you with a permanent filling.
Further Considerations
Root canal treatment is a big dental job, and the tooth may need further work to strengthen it. This may take the form of an implant or a crown. The only alternative to the treatment is extraction, but in almost all cases it is preferable to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible. It is important to note that the treatment can fail, and whilst it can be repeated, the chances of success are reduced with every attempt. You must be fully prepared to take good care of your teeth following the treatment. Any Kent dentists will be able to perform this treatment, but should you require it, you may be referred to a specialist endodontist.