What is Root Canal Therapy?

After local anesthesia takes effect, access hole in your tooth is first created by a small drill in order to gain access into the pulp. Depending on the tooth and the individual, the number of canals vary from 1 to 4. Having identified the canals and under magnification of a microscope, each canal is cleaned and debrided. This is followed by placement of filling into the debrided root canal(s). As a final step, the access hole is sealed with temporary filling is then applied to seal the canals. You are expected to return to your dentist after root canal therapy for a crown or other restoration in order to protect the tooth and avoid fractures.

Tooth that has more infection and abscess may require a more invasive procedure called Apicoectomy. Under this procedure, root canals are to be accessed through the gum and underlying bone via surgery. Having gained access, the tip of the tooth is resected and canals cleaned & debrided under microscope. Filling is applied to the canals and stitches are used for sutures. Cavity in the underlying bone left behind from the surgery is to be filled by surrounding bone growth over the next few months.

How will Tooth Survive After Root Canal Therapy?

Your tooth will continue to be nourished by surrounding gum and soft-tissue. Many teeth can last for years to come. However, teeth that had undergone root canal therapy may become more brittle. Care should be taken to avoid biting hard food.