What root canal treatment is
Endodontics, popularly known as a “root canal”, is the treatment that saves a tooth whose pulp is damaged or infected. Instead of extracting the tooth, we clean and seal its interior to eliminate pain and let it keep doing its job.
Acting in time avoids intense discomfort and lets you keep your natural smile. Today it’s a quick treatment, usually completed in a single visit, painless and with a simple recovery.
Endodontic retreatment
When a previous root canal treatment doesn’t heal as expected, retreatment prevents the loss of the tooth. We start with a thorough study of the causes of the previous failure and work under magnification, with a microscope or high-power loupes, to locate missed canals or fissures that are almost invisible to the naked eye.
Apical microsurgery
When root canal treatment or a retreatment fail to clear the infection at the tip of the root, apical microsurgery is the last option in conservative dentistry to save the tooth. What apical microsurgery involves.
Related treatments
- Apical Microsurgery The last option in conservative dentistry when root canal treatment or a retreatment fail to clear the infection at the tip of the tooth's root.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
No. It's carried out under local anaesthesia and, thanks to microscope magnification, it's a predictable, comfortable treatment. The tooth usually hurts more before treatment, because of the infection, than during or after it.
How many visits are needed?
Most root canal treatments are completed in a single visit. Retreatments or cases with more complex anatomy may require an extra session.
What happens if I don't get the root canal treatment?
The infection doesn't go away on its own: it progresses into the bone surrounding the root and can eventually lead to tooth loss. The sooner it's treated, the simpler the treatment.
Does the tooth become weak after treatment?
The tooth loses some structure when the damaged tissue is removed, which is why a crown is usually recommended for molars to protect it from the wear of chewing.