Dental Glossary

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When extensive decay has resulted in damage or death of the pulp in a tooth, the resulting infection of the nerves and blood vessels in the root requires that either the tooth be extracted or a treatment known as root canal therapy be performed.

Root canal treatment typically requires two or more appointments. Initially the dentist will need to drill an access cavity through the crown, whether natural or artificial, to remove the infected tissue. The full length of the root canal(s) is then physically cleaned out using very fine filing instruments and then disinfected with the aid of solutions and antibiotic pastes.

If there is an abscess the dentist may prefer to leave the tooth open to allow for drainage of fluids that may be causing intense pain due to the pressure within the tooth and jawbone. If this is not ideal, the dentist will place a temporary filling in the tooth and prescribe antibiotics which should be completed before the next appointment. Once the symptoms have been eliminated and infection brought under control, the canals are filled with a sterile rubbery material called gutta percha and sealed with special pastes.

As most root-filled teeth are brittle and subject to fracture, it is preferable to use an inlay, onlay or crown to restore the tooth rather than an ordinary filling. Occasionally, if root therapy is unsuccessful and a residual abscess is causing symptoms at the base of the tooth, a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy may be required to remove this infected tissue.

Important:

If root canal therapy is recommended, it is important to have a tooth treated as soon as possible. An infection that is allowed to continue, will result in an abscess which will lead to destruction of the underlying bone tissue and may make it impossible to save the tooth. In addition, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and lymph system resulting in swelling in the face and neck, septicaemia, fever and potentially, death.


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