| The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove
the inflamed tissue or bacteria inside the root canal and thus allow the
surrounding tissues to heal. After cleaning the root canal system, the space
created is filled with a root filling. A rubber material called gutta percha
is used for this purpose.
The root canal system, especially in molars, is often complex and difficult
to clean completely. This is why many general dentists prefer to refer
these cases to a specialist.
The treatment is time consuming because of its complexity but with the
use of modern local anaesthetic techniques it can be performed with little
or no discomfort. It is normal for patients to experience some soreness
after treatment, as the supporting tissues of the tooth may be a little
bruised.
The success rates of first time root canal treatments is over 90%, while
the success rate is reduced to about 80% when an existing root treatment
needs redoing if it has failed.
How long does root canal treatment take?
The duration of root canal treatment will depend on the complexity and
number of canals in the tooth. Root canals are often complex structures
and may be very small, even invisible to the naked eye. It is not uncommon
to find four or five canals in a molar tooth, the smallest of these often
being less than .05 mm in diameter.
Root canal treatment on a molar tooth will normally take from ninety minutes
to three hours. Some complicated cases may take even longer. Between visits
anti-bacterial medicaments are placed inside the canals to kill any remaining
bacteria. This dressing is usually in place for a period of one week,
during which the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.
It is normal for teeth to be slightly tender for a few days after root
canal treatment. This discomfort is normally from the inflamed supporting
tissues surrounding the tips of the roots.
Some teeth, particularly ones that have been problematic for a while,
may take a few months to settle completely. Once the root-treated tooth
has settled down completely a crown should be placed to protect the remaining
tooth structure from fracture.
Inus Goossens has considerable experience in treating difficult curved or blocked root canals, removing fractured posts or root canal instruments, and repeating failed root canal treatments. Although not on the specialist list for endodontics, he accepts referrals for root canal treatments from colleagues.
Contact us today to request additional information
about root canal treatment or to make an appointment with one of our specialists. |
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