Root canal treatment is a very important and effective procedure, which helps to preserve and strengthen infected, weak teeth. In many cases, Dr Paul Hooi can use root canal treatment to save a tooth in cases where the other alternative is extraction.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure, which is designed to treat an infected tooth. This treatment is usually recommended once an infection has reached the pulp tissue. The pulp is the living tissue of the tooth and it contains the nerves and blood vessels; once the pulp is damaged or infected, the blood supply to the teeth is cut off, meaning that the tooth starts to die. There is also a greater risk of abscesses, which tend to be very sore, developing once the tooth is infected.

Root canal treatment involves removing the decayed pulp tissue from the root canals; to do this, Dr Hooi will drill into the tooth to access to root canals. Once all the decayed tissue has been taken out, the root canals will be cleaned very thoroughly and then sealed. Sealing the root canals helps to prevent the infection from spreading to the tooth roots. After the procedure, it is common for a new crown to be placed over the top of the tooth to make it stronger and improve the aesthetic of the tooth.

Why is root canal treatment so important?

The teeth have numerous important roles, from helping us to communicate verbally, to breaking down food before it enters the digestive system. Root canal treatment is a means of saving a tooth and is almost always the best option for treating an infected tooth. Missing teeth cause problems with speech and the ability to eat, as well as affecting the overall facial aesthetic and the look of the smile and increasing the risk of oral diseases.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment sounds more daunting than it actually is. Before treatment begins, the tooth will be numbed completely to prevent you from feeling any pain. Dr Hooi has vast experience in this treatment and will do all he can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.