It’s time to talk about root canal, a subject many people fear and most would rather avoid. But the aim of this article is not to incite fear or panic over a tooth ache.

The aim of this article is to help you understand the process of root canal and why it’s a procedure you don’t actually need to be scared of at all.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

First things first, root canal treatment is the process of repairing and saving a badly damaged or infected tooth.

Inside your tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp.

The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, that helps to grow the root of your tooth during development.

In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth will continue to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

The most common causes affecting a tooth’s pulp is a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma.

The name "root canal" derives from the act of cleaning the canals inside the tooth's root.

What to expect during your root canal procedure?

A root canal procedure involves assessing and removing the damaged area of your tooth (the pulp), cleaning the area and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it.

Below is a step by step run through of what to expect:

1. Tooth X-rays

If we suspect you may need a root canal, we will first take X-rays or assess existing X-rays to show where the tooth decay is located.

2. Anaesthesia

During the procedure, a local anaesthetic is administered to the affected tooth.

Fun fact: Contrary to “not so popular” belief, a root canal is actually no more painful than your average day tooth filling.

3. Pulpectomy

Once anaesthetised, an opening is made and the unhealthy tooth pulp is carefully removed.

4. Filling

Then, the roots that have been opened in order to remove the infected pulp, are filled with gutta-percha material and are then sealed off with cement.

Tips for aftercare treatment

A properly treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with the right tooth care.

Root canals have a high success rate. However, here are a few tips to help you take care of your teeth after a root canal:

Practice good oral hygiene

• It’s important to brush teeth twice a day, and floss at least once. By doing so, you can help prevent future oral problems.

Come see us on a regular basis

• A regular teeth cleaning and examination can help early detection of tooth decay. Visit us once every 6 months, to ensure you are giving your teeth the attention they require.

Avoid hard foods

• Chewing on hard foods such as ice or biltong can cause teeth to break, as root canal treated teeth are more brittle after treatment.

Cloud 9 Dental – Dentists in Claremont

We like to think of ourselves as a family dentist specialising in working with children and all aspects of paediatric dentistry.

We offer everything from routine check-ups and cleanings to root canal treatment and dental crown and dental bridge in a friendly and homely setting.

Additionally, we also do treatment under conscious sedation and general anaesthetic.

For more information about our root canal treatment, please contact us.