Root canal treatment has a reputation it doesn’t deserve. With modern local anaesthetic, it feels much like having a filling, and it often relieves the pain of an infected tooth.
When is a root canal needed?
Inside each tooth is the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp, causing inflammation or infection. Signs include:
- Severe or throbbing toothache
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting
- Swelling of the gum or face
- A darkened tooth
Sometimes an infected tooth has no symptoms and is found on an X-ray.
What happens during treatment
- The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic.
- A small opening is made to reach the pulp.
- The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped.
- The canals are filled and sealed.
- The tooth is restored with a filling, and often later with a crown.
Treatment may take one or two visits, depending on the tooth.
Why save the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth maintains your bite, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and usually costs less than removing and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
After treatment
The tooth may feel tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief usually helps. Back teeth that have had a root canal are more brittle, so a crown is often recommended to protect them.
Cost
Root canal treatment at our Lenasia practice starts from R3 000 for cash patients. We claim directly from all medical aids. Call Dr H.B Mohamed on 011 852 7866.