Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy (endodontic treatment) is necessary when the nerve (pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reason for inflammation or infection are deep cavities or cracks. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the teeth. If pulp inflammation is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Root Canal Therapy consists of many steps and usually performed in 2 or 3 appointments. In some occasions if root canal procedure is very complicated you will be referred to a specialist (endodontist) for treatment.
We use advanced rotary endodontic techniques with Protaper Next rotary files which allow us to complete RCT faster and more efficient.
The vast majority of root canal procedures proceed painlessly. With modern techniques and anaesthetics, people report that having a root canal treatment is about as unremarkable as having a cavity filled. On the other hand, some people present with what we call a hot pulp. The tooth is generally already very painful. These are the ones that require multiple anaesthetic injections to get numb.
Not every root canal requires a crown, however many of them do in order to provide the tooth with the proper strength and support. Additionally, the tooth can become more brittle after root canal therapy, and would then become more susceptible to fracture, especially if one is a heavy grinder.