Why ‘root canal’ instead of ‘extraction’?

Ethically, dental practitioners prefer to do their best to retain an original tooth. Extraction is our last resort. Natural teeth are stronger, and they function better when biting and chewing. When a root canal has been done, the surrounding tissues will nourish the treated tooth.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

When symptoms persist, there is a possibility that the pulp has been damaged by bacterial infection leading to an abscess which is an inflamed area where pus collects. This causes swelling of the tissues around the tooth resulting in dull ache and severe throbbing pain, and in most cases, the tooth may be painful when you bite.

A CBCT scan will reveal the extent of damage, and we will recommend an RCT over extraction. RCT becomes necessary to ensure that the inflamed pulp is not further damaged by multiplying bacteria. Sometimes as the infection progresses, symptoms disappear as the pulp dies, giving a false appearance that the tooth has been healed, but the condition has spread through the root canal system. Eventually, the symptoms return, causing more significant pain and damage.

It is essential that you visit us because when your tooth is infected, the pulp cannot heal by itself, and an infected tooth in your mouth may worsen. Moreover, if not treated on time, and if the infection within your tooth becomes established, there would be less chance of a successful root canal treatment.

Remember, antibiotics, a medicine to treat bacterial infections, are ineffective in treating root canal infections and can only help treat when it spreads beyond the root, which causes swelling.

Is root canal treatment painful?

No, it does not hurt.

We will administer anaesthesia painlessly before proceeding with the root canal treatment. The procedure will be as painless as when having a filling and some post-operative unpleasant feelings that will disappear over a short time.

How is root canal treatment done?

Our primary aim is to remove the inflamed or infected pulp in the root canal. This is done when we drill using specialised tools to reach the tooth canal. We will then remove the bacteria from the root canal system, fill the root canal with a special filling, and seal the pulp chamber to prevent bacteria from re-entering the canal.

The process will take several visits to our clinic to ensure that all infection has cleared.  Once complete, the tooth is capped, also known as a crown. All inflamed tissue near the tooth will heal naturally. With proper care, the tooth can survive for up to 10 years.