What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Why is a root canal treatment needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess.
If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Does it hurt?
No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.
What does it involve?
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. the root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatment available to restore the natural appearance.
Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated.
What if I don’t have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out, once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.
Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
Will the tooth be safe after treatment?
Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be carried out?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.
What about aftercare?
Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.
What is a crown?
Crowns are an ideal way to rebuild teeth which have been broken, or have bee weakened by decay or a very large filling.
The crown fits right over the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes known as ‘caps’. An ‘Anterior Crown’ is a crown fitted to the front eight teeth.
Why would I need a crown?
There are a number of reasons. For instance:
- The tooth may have been weakened by having a very large filling.
- You may have a disc0loured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.
- You may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it.
- You may have had an accident and damaged the tooth.
- It may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.
What are crowns made of ?
Crowns are made of a variety of materials and new materials are being introduced all the time. Here are some options avaliable at present:
- Porcelain fused to metal: this is what most crowns are made from. A metal base is made and layers of porcelain are then applied over it.
- Porcelain crowns: The crown is completely made of porcelain with no metal base. We offer two options:
- IPS e.max® Lithium Disilicate crowns
- AmannGirrbach Zirconia crowns
- Precious metal (gold and palladium): There crowns are very strong and hard-wearing , but are not usually used at the front of the mouth, where they are highly visible.
How is a tooth prepared for a crown?
The dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown. This will mean removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a stronger inner ‘core’. The amount of the tooth removed will be the same as the thickness of the crown to be fitted. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and possibly another to mark the way you bite together. The impression will be given to the technician, along with any other information they need to make the crown.
Who makes the crown?
The impression and information about the shade of your teeth will be given to our dental technician who will be skilled in making crowns. They will make models of your mouth and make the crown on these to be sure that the crown fits perfectly.
Will the crown be noticeable?
No. The crown will be made to match your other teeth exactly. The shade of the neighboring teeth will be recorded, to make sure the colour looks natural and matches the surrounding teeth. A temporary crown, usually made in plastic, will be fitted at the end of the first appointment to last until the permanent one is ready. These temporary crowns may be more noticeable, but they are only in place for about a week.
How long does the treatment take?
You will need to have at least two visits: the first for the preparation , impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown, and the second to fit the permanent crown.
Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?
No. A local anaesthetic is used and the preparation should feel no different from a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared then local anaesthetic may not be needed.
Are post crowns different?
Post crowns may be used when the tooth has been root filled. The weakened crown to the tooth drilled off at the level of the gum. The dentist makes a double-ended ‘post’ to fit into the root canal. This can be either prefabricated titanium or custom made metal. One end of the post is cemented into the root canal, and the other end holds the crown firmly in place.
Are there any alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?
If root filled teeth is not completely broken down, it may be possible to build it up again using filling material. This ‘core’ is then prepared in the same way as a natural tooth and the impressions are taken.
How long will a crown last?
The life of a crown will depend on how well it is looked after. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. It is important to keep the area as clean as your other teeth, or decay could endanger the crown. Properly cared for crowns will last for many years – your dentist will be able to tell you how long.
How are crowns fixed to teeth?
Once the fit and the appearance of the crown has been checked – and approved by you – it will be cemented in place with special dental cement. The cement also forms a seal to help hold it firmly in place.
Will the crown feel different?
Because the shape of the crown will be slightly different from the shape of your tooth before it was crowned, you may be aware of it to begin with. Within a few days it should feel fine, and you will not notice it. The crown may need some adjustment if it feels higher than the surrounding teeth. If it is at all uncomfortable ask your dentist to check and adjust it.
Is there an alternative to a crown?
A veneer can be an alternative to having an anterior crown. Your dentist will advise you of any suitable alternatives.
