Root Canal Treatment Dental Practice Alan Kruger

Root canal treatment is a sequence of treatments for a bacterially infected or inflamed nerve of a tooth...

A root canal is the natural cavity within the center of a tooth root. A single tooth can have more than one root,and more than one root canal. The tooth's nerve lies within the root canal. Root canal treatment is a sequence of treatments for a bacterially infected or inflamed nerve of a tooth. These treatments involve the removal of the tooth nerve, the subsequent shaping, cleaning, and decontamination of the root canals with small files and irrigating solutions. The decontaminated root canal is then filled and sealed off with an inert filling such as guttapercha and a typically eugenol-based cement. The result is the elimination of the infection and the protection of the tooth from future bacterial invasion.

The causes of an infected or inflamed nerve are: a deep cavity, leaky fillings, a cracked or broken tooth, or injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip). If the infected or inflamed nerve is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and the tooth may have to be removed.

Most of the time under good anaesthesia, a root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your teeth and your smile.