Root canal treatment is a dental job used to get rid of infections of the tooth’s pulp, which is the part of the tooth that contains the blood supply and other important elements. If the infection is left untreated it can potentially spread and develop into an abscess, which is a pus filled area that can cause aching in the tissues around the teeth. If it spreads to the bone the tooth may come loose. Root canal treatment involves the necessity to take out the infected pulp tissue and substitute it with a natural type of rubber called gutta percha.

What is the Procedure?

The procedure is done under sedation so there is nothing to worry about. On your first visit to the dentist, he/she will have to tool into your tooth to access the pulp. The dentist will take x-rays to examine how far the infection spreads into the root, and then the dentist will use a unique tool to clean out the spoiled tissues. You will have more x-rays for the dentist to determine that the whole infection is removed, and then you will be fitted with a short-term filling. At your second visit, the dentist once again drills into the tooth and makes sure everything is ready for the next stage, which is when the root will be imbedded with gutta percha and you will have a filling to last you put inmanent filling.

Further Considerations

The only alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction , and this is rarely preferable because it is usually better to keep your natural teeth. The best thing to do is try to avoid infection in the first place by maintaining good oral hygiene and brushing your teeth with a fluoride based toothpaste. However, if the treatment does become essential, remember that there is a small chance it will fail, and that while it can be repeated the chances of it working are reduced with every repetition. Be fully prepared to take good care of your teeth following the treatment. If you require it, you can have a specialist endodontist perform the treatment, but all Birmingham dentists will be able to do it for you.