Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth is badly decayed and infected, root canal treatment (RCT) may be required. Our dentists will disinfect the tooth and ensure it is bacteria free, so that your toothache is a thing of the past.
What exactly is a root canal?
Did you know that your teeth are living organs? They contain nerves and blood vessels, just like any other organ in your body. These nerves and vessels form the “pulp” at the centre of the tooth. This pulp is what gives your tooth sensation and keeps it alive. The canals within the tooth that encompasses the pulp are referred to as the root canals.
When is root canal treatment required?
When you experience a toothache, this is because the pulp within your tooth has become inflamed. Removal of any decay and placement of a filling may resolve mild inflammation.
However, when the pulp within the canals has been badly damaged due to extensive decay, cracks in your teeth or physical trauma, the tooth will start to die. This process can cause severe pain. In order to stop the pain and infection from progressing, root canal treatment is recommended. The pulp must be removed, and the canal cleaned and medicated to remove all traces of bacteria.
Are there any alternatives to root canal treatment?
Once the pulp of your tooth has started to die, the only way to permanently stop your pain is by completely removing the pulp. Other than a root canal, your other option would be to extract the tooth. However, we believe in saving your natural teeth as much as possible.
If you are still uncertain about whether root canal treatment is for you, come down to one of our dental clinics in Singapore for a consultation, and our dentists will be more than happy to listen to your concerns and present you with the options that are suitable for you.
Different Types of Root Canal Treatments
1. Endodontic Retreatment
If your tooth has undergone a root canal in the past, but has become infected again, endodontic retreatment may be required to save the tooth. This treatment involves the removal of the old root canal filling. After which, the tooth will be retreated to remove the infection and restored with a new filling.
2. Restorability Assessment
If your tooth has a crack, tests and examinations can be carried out to assess the chance that the tooth can be successfully restored.
3. Vital Pulpotomy
If decay has reached part of the tooth’s pulp, a vital pulpotomy can be done to remove the infected area of the pulp while leaving the rest of the healthy pulp intact.
4. Revascularisation
Sometimes, deep decay or trauma can prevent a permanent tooth from developing fully. This leaves the roots of the tooth more open and susceptible to infection. Revascularisation treatment aims to help an under-developed tooth to complete the formation of its roots.
Pain Free Dentistry
For many, dental procedures have always been associated with pain. Pain is one of the main reasons why many patients avoid going to the dentist. At Far East Dental, our dental experts are equipped to provide a pain-free experience with various anaesthetic options. [see more]
