Professional Root Canal Treatment in Singapore
Endodontist / Endodontics
Endodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with issues involving the innermost region of each individual tooth. Within the walls of every tooth, comprising the enamel and dentine, is a space containing the pulp. This space is called the pulp chamber, which extends into the roots of the tooth, making up the root canals. The pulp has many tiny blood vessels and nerve endings and it is this that make teeth “sensitive”.
When the pulp of a tooth is irritated, it becomes inflamed in a process called pulpitis.
If the irritation is persistant or severe, then irreversible pulpitis ensues and the symptoms can be severe toothache. The most common cause of such irritation is dental caries or tooth decay with cavities. Other causes include trauma (eg accidents) or severe wear and tear leading to attrition and cracks. Teeth with fillings which are very deep or teeth with crowns and bridges may also subsequently develop pulpitis due to prior damage to the pulp. In some situations, the pulp may become infected and a dental abscess or gum boil may form even in the absence of pain. Discolouration or darker coloured teeth can also be indications of root canal problems.
Treatment for irreversible pulpitis or infection of the root canals is called root canal treatment. This involves cleaning and re-shaping the root canals so that medicaments can be placed in them. The root canals will subsequently need to be obturated or sealed up to prevent ingress of germs which can cause infection. Analgesics or pain killers are often prescribed to help to resolve the painful symptoms. Antibiotic therapy is sometimes necessary to help fight infection. Root canal treated teeth often require crowning to restore them to function and to prevent further damage to the teeth.
Sometimes, previously root canal treated teeth can become infected if the seal of the root canal filling is breached by bacteria. Re-treatment of the root canals may become necessary. Surgical treatment, where the infection around the root tips are treated by a procedure called apicoectomy, is sometimes indicated.
The alternative to root canal treatment is usually extraction of the teeth, which is why Endodontists are often considered specialists in saving teeth.
What are root canal treatments?
Root canal treatment saves your teeth! “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. One of the most common endodontic treatments is root canal treatment.
Inside a tooth is a soft, living tissue called the pulp (also called the “nerve”). The pulp contains blood vessels, fibers and nerves. A root canal treatment is needed when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The endodontist (root canal specialist) will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully clean and shape the inside of the root canal, then fill and seal the space.
Your dentist or prosthodontist will then place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to look, feel and function like any other tooth.
Benefits of Undergoing a Root Canal Treatment
Dentists may recommend a root canal treatment as a way to save and treat a damaged or infected tooth. Patients going through this oral procedure will enjoy the following benefits, later on:
- Relief of Pain and Other Symptoms – The root canal procedure involves taking out the diseased tissue to remove tooth sensitivity and pain. Eliminating the infected tissue also offers relief from related symptoms, such as abscess discharge and fever.
- Prevention of Complications – An oral infection, if left unchecked or untreated, could result in more serious health problems. The infection, for instance, could travel to other organs. Root canal therapy eliminates the infection, thereby helping to prevent sepsis and other major complications.
- Restored Chewing Efficiency – A decayed tooth can affect a person’s chewing ability. Undergoing root canal treatment and preserving the tooth brings the chewing efficiency of the teeth back to normal.
Check If You Need Root Canal Therapy
Turn to TP Dental if you’re experiencing oral symptoms that may require root canal therapy. Our dentist in Singapore will determine if this treatment option is ideal for your situation.
