Root Canal Therapy (RCT)

Endodontic procedures, such as root canal therapy, are commonly performed to address infections, inflammation, or damage to the pulp, thereby preserving the natural tooth and preventing the need for extraction. When it comes to chewing, there is nothing better than your own natural tooth structure!

The pulp inside a tooth can become damaged due to both bacterial and physical factors. In most cases, the damage is caused by bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth. These bacteria can reach the pulp through tooth decay (cavities) or cracks in the tooth.

Other causes of pulp damage can include:

• Trauma (A blow, fall or injury) to the tooth
• Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Occasionally, however low risk, orthodontic treatment (braces)
• Repeated dental procedures that eventually affect the pulp

Symptoms of a root canal infection can range from severe pain to mild sensitivity or tenderness, but sometimes the infection may be painless, especially if the nerve dies off slowly. In some cases, infections are only discovered during routine X-rays.

It’s important to remember that any infection in the mouth should be treated promptly, as it can lead to more serious problems if left untreated.

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is a procedure where the infected or inflamed pulp inside a tooth is removed, thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and then sealed to allow the tooth to heal. This treatment is designed to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. While the process can be complex, advances in modern materials and techniques have made it a relatively painless procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little discomfort they experience, as local anaesthesia is used to numb the area.

The alternative to RCT is extracting the tooth, which would allow the infection to heal. Extracting a tooth has its own advantages and disadvantages. While it is cheaper to remove the tooth, this does mean you’ll have gap and may experience difficulty eating, shifting of neighbouring or opposing teeth, bite changes etc. Additionally, replacing the tooth with a bridge, implant or denture involves higher costs. Please refer to our extraction page for more details.

Root canalled teeth tend to become brittle (like a dry branch) after treatment and require the extra support to pro-long their life. After the RCT is completed, the tooth typically requires a crown to protect it from further damage or cracking, ensuring the success of the treatment. Please refer to our crown information page. 

While RCTs may require some effort, keeping your own tooth is always the best option to maintain the function, appearance, and long-term health of your smile. It helps preserve the balance of your bite and improves your overall quality of life.