Root Treatment This information was prepared by the British Dental Health Foundation which it hopes you will find of value as a basis to help discussion with your dentist. Further information is also available direct from the Foundation. Please send your question, together with a stamped addressed envelope to : British Dental Foundation, Eastlands Court, St.Peter's Road, Rugby CV21 3QP Q What is Root Canal Treatment? Root Canal treatment (also called Endodontics) is a treatment required when the blood and nerve supply in a tooth (known as the pulp) becomes infected through dental decay or injury. Q Why is Root Canal treatment needed? If the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread throughout the root canal system of the tooth and could eventually form an abscess. If the Root Canal treatment is not carried out to remove the infection, or to stop infection spreading, the tooth may have to be taken out. Q Does it hurt? No. Treatment is carried out routinely under a local anaesthetic and is therefore painless. Q What does it involve? The objective of the treatment is the removal of all infection from the Root Canal. The Root Canal is then refilled to prevent further infection, which then allows the tissues around the root to heal. Root Canal treatment is a skilled and time consuming procedure. A typical course of treatment may therefore involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment for treatment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses which may be present can also be drained at this time. The Root Canal system is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared ready for filling. A temporary filling is then placed in the tooth until the final visit, when the Root Canals are re-checked for any infection, and then permanently filled. Q What will my tooth look like after treatment? In the past, a root filled tooth often darkened after treatment. With modern techniques this does not necessarily happen. However, should a slight change of colour occur due the treatment carried out inside the tooth, this can be corrected to restore the natural appearance of the tooth. Q What if it happens again? Modern Root Canal treatment procedures are highly successful and recurrence of infection is uncommon . However, should it happen again, the treatment can be repeated. Q Is it expensive? Root Canal treatment can take several hours to complete, depending on the difficulties encountered. It is the time required which will dictate the cost. However, your dentist will be pleased to give you an estimate. Q What if I do not have this treatment? The alternative is to have the tooth removed, because once the pulp has been destroyed by infection, it cannot heal. Whilst the removal of a tooth may be preferred in some cases, the overall balance of dental health can be more easily maintained by keeping as many of your natural teeth as possible. Q Will the tooth be safe after treatment? Yes. However, under some circumstances the tooth may require a restoration such as a crown to help give further protection to the tooth. Q Where can this treatment be obtained? Root Canal treatment is a routine dental procedure which your dentist will be happy to undertake if required. Q What about aftercare? Remember to clean your teeth thoroughly at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Keep sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum, and only at mealtimes if possible, and have regular dental check-ups.