Root Canal | The Family Dentist | Pretoria East, Faerie Glen

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root canal

Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth’s pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth, sealing off the root canal.

dental bridges +

A bridge, also known as a fixed removable denture, is made to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or implants.

dental implants +

Implants are devices that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are used to support crowns, bridges or dentures and are surgically placed in your jawbone.

dentures +

Dentures are natural looking and comfortable replacements for missing teeth that can easily be taken out and put back into your mouth.

dental veneers +

These are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth, providing a natural, attractive look. They are used to fix chipped, stained or worn down teeth.

dental crowns +

A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. A crown is made to look like your tooth. Many people call it a cap.

dental extractions

Teeth are extracted for a variety of reasons including deep decay, significant infection or to make room for all the teeth in your mouth.

mercury fillings

A mercury filling is a silver/grey filling that is usually placed in the molar and premolar teeth. It consists of a mixture of different metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper.

dental whitening

Tooth whitening lightens teeth and removes stains and discoloration. It is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look.

dental composite bonding

Composite Bonding is the application of a tooth-coloured composite resin to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discoloured tooth.

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rootcanal +

what is root canal?

Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth’s pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled. This procedure seals off the root canal. Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment saves many teeth that would otherwise be lost.

the most common causes of pulp damage or death are:

• A cracked tooth

• A deep cavity

• An injury to a tooth, such as a severe knock to the tooth, either recent or in the past

Once the pulp is infected or dead, if left untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause pain.

how is a root canal done?

Root canal treatment consists of several steps that take place over several office visits, depending on the situation. These steps are:

• First, an opening is made through the back of a front tooth or the crown of a molar or pre-molar.

• After the diseased pulp is removed (a pulpectomy), the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for being filled.

• If more than one visit is needed, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.

• The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal permanently filled. A tapered, rubbery material called gutta-percha is inserted into each of the canals and is often sealed into place with cement. Sometimes a metal or plastic rod is placed in the canal for structural support.

• In the final step, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is very broken down, a post may be required to build it up prior to placing a crown.

How Long Will the Restored Tooth Last?

Your treated and restored tooth/teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Because tooth decay can still occur in treated teeth, good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are necessary to prevent further problems.

As there is no longer a pulp keeping the tooth alive, root-treated teeth can become brittle and are more prone to fracture. This is an important consideration when deciding whether to crown or fill a tooth after root canal treatment.

To determine the success or failure of root canal treatment, the most relied-upon method is to compare new X-rays with those taken prior to treatment. This comparison will show whether bone continues to be lost or is being regenerated.