What is a Root Canal?

Inside each tooth there is living tissue, composed of a small capillary, vein, nerve and some cellular tissue. If a tooth is traumatized the nerve inside can be adversely affected and may die. When this happens, all the cells die and the blood supply to and from the tooth dies. This dead tissue within the tooth is a wonderful place for bacteria to grow and eventually the tooth will become a source of infection. This process can take a period of several weeks, to several months or more. Unfortunately, these infected teeth often result in severe pain and swelling. In order to prevent this from happening the tooth must either be removed or undergo root canal treatment (also known as Endodontic Treatment). Root canal treatment involves removing the dead and infected tissue, and replacing it with a filling material to prevent bacteria from reentering the tooth.

Why would a tooth need a root canal?

Extensive trauma to the tissues and nerve inside a tooth will cause the cells to die and will cause a tooth to require a root canal. The trauma could be one incident, such as a severe blow to the tooth, a fracture that exposes or nearly exposes the nerve, a crack that extends deep inside the tooth or the combination of several incidents over many years. Multiple fillings over a course of many years can also cause enough trauma in the long term, resulting in a tooth "dying." Cavities are probably the most common cause, as decay is full of bacteria and if it is deep the bacteria will invade the living tissue and eventually cause the nerve and cells to die.

Is it painful?

 No. Today root canals do not need to be painful at all. Root canals have a bad "reputation" because in the past local anaesthetics were not as good as they are today, patients often delayed treatment until there was already severe infection and pain (at which time anaesthetics do not work as well), and techniques have improved considerably. If a tooth is properly anaesthetized, a person will not feel discomfort during a root canal, any more than one would during routine fillings.

How many appointments will it take?

The majority of root canals today are completed within one appointment. Some teeth with severe infection need to be completed in more than one appointment.

Are root canals safe?

When a root canal is properly done, all the living and dead tissue within the canal is removed. The canal is irrigated with antibacterial solutions to eliminate any bacteria present, and then a combination of filling material and sealers/cements are used to fill the canal. The success of the treatment is traditionally based on a lack of symptoms, an x ray showing filling material completely sealing the canal to the tip of the root and no sign of infection on the x ray itself. However, the roots of our teeth are made up of dentin. This material is porous and contains many microscopic tubules.

Other options

Root canals are most often filled with a rubber like material called gutta percha in combination with a paste type sealer (zinc oxide). The sealer works like a mortar, filling any spaces that the gutta percha did not seal. Prior to making any final and irreversible decisions, please consult with your dentist or dental specialist or we would also be happy to answer any other questions you may have.