Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment involves the removal of the nerve and blood vessels found inside the tooth. Then, these are replaced with an inert material.

Root canal treatment is usually performed when a tooth has decayed or broken through its nerve cavity, which cannot be filled in a regular way or when teeth have been damaged by an impact and the blood vessels that supply the tooth have been torn or damaged. Common symptoms that patients present with are toothaches and teeth that appear darker than before.

Root canal treatment typically requires multiple visits and ongoing care in order to be successful. It often takes more than a single appointment to complete the procedure.

Therefore, before deciding to go ahead with root canal treatment, patients must ensure they have sufficient time to receive treatment. The process typically requires 2-4 visits, depending on the condition of the teeth in question.

Additionally, root canal treatment is a method of attempting to keep teeth in the mouth for as long as possible, instead of having to be extracted. After being successfully treated with root canal therapy, a tooth may remain healthy and functional for up to one, two, five years or even a lifetime. This type of tooth is referred to as a non-vital tooth and noticeable changes can occur such as the dentin becoming more fragile and prone to breakage, as well as the tooth becoming darker. Therefore, dentists often suggest that a crown and post-and-core be applied to the tooth to ensure it remains strong and aesthetically pleasing.

by Dr. Napong Puapornpong