Root canal treatments, also known under endodontics, are usually recommended when caries are very deep and have reached the pulp cavity. We often recommend a root canal treatment if the nerve of the tooth is infected or if it suffers an irreversible inflammation. A root canal treatment can be diagnosed if a tooth is decayed, damaged by a severe fracture following a dental trauma.
Root canal treatment is an intervention that permits to devitalize the tooth and to relieve the extreme pain from the tooth. The treatment is an approach taken to maintain the natural tooth in place. However the treatment must be undertaken without delay. If the treatment is done too late, it is possible that the tooth may not be restored (not reparable) and at that moment we will rather recommend extracting the tooth.
What is a root canal treatment?
The dentist will proceed to a local anesthesia.
To prevent the bacteria from your saliva to come in contact with your tooth during treatment, a rubber dam is installed around the tooth.
The dentist will make a small opening in the tooth to reach the tooth’s canal and the dead pulp.
With the help of precise instruments, the dentist will remove the pulp by cleaning and widening the canal.
Next, the dentist will fill and seal the canal.
Then, the dentist will close the tooth with a provisional or permanent filling.
After a root canal, the tooth needs to be restored in order to give back its integrity. Depending on the case, the dentist will either perform a permanent filling or will recommend the placement of a dental crown.