Root Canal Treatment

The dentists at Bright White believe that the best teeth are your own, and they make sure that you do not lose any of them. Successful root canal treatment will allow you to keep your tooth, which would otherwise be removed due to extensive bacterial infection.

Root canal therapy, RCT (endodontic therapy) is a technique used to save a diseased or damaged tooth. The alternative to a root canal would be an extraction or removal of the tooth. Treatment requires that the nerve inside the tooth be removed and replaced with a solid filling material that is resistant to infection.

Keeping your tooth could prevent the remaining teeth from drifting out of line and causing long-term jaw problems or gum disease. Saving your natural tooth means avoiding having to replace it with either a bridge or an implant.

With our state of the art technologies and materials, along with continuing training, the more feared dental procedure can be done with ease. If suitable, even the laser can be used to provide the best results.

The Procedure

Inside a tooth is a small space called the root canal containing the nerves and blood vessels which form the dental pulp. Infection of this dental pulp may result in an abscess or tooth ache. In the past this tooth would simply be removed but now we can offer you root canal treatment to care for these teeth.
Infection or damage to the dental pulp can often be attributed to the following reasons however sometimes there is no clear cause:

• Decay
• Deep fillings
• Trauma
• Tooth fracture
• Infection

Prior to initiating RCT, we conduct thorough tests and take x-rays in order to evaluate the vitality of the pulp and surrounding tissue.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the root canal can be accessed by drilling a hole through the top of the tooth. The canal is measured, cleaned and shaped with fine dental files. The root canals are also washed with anti-bacterial solution to remove any debris. This is followed by sealing them with a permanent filling, which usually results in full recovery to useful function.

Compromised structural integrity often goes hand in hand with such teeth due to the presence of large fillings or extensive damage. Furthermore, these teeth are also weaker and the added protection of a crown is often recommended to ensure longevity.