Root canal Treatement

Tooth Structure

A tooth is comprised of three basic structures and two parts. The structures consist of enamel - the hard surface structure of the tooth, dentine - a yellowish tissue that is harder than bone but softer than enamel, and the pulp. The pulp is the softest part of the tooth and contains all the blood vessels and nerves essential to keep teeth healthy. (Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that specialises in the treatment of the pulp). The two parts of the tooth are the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum line, and the root, which is the part below it.

A deep cavity or fracture in a tooth can allow bacteria to seep through the enamel and dentin into the pulp. This bacteria can then cause an infection of the pulp and the nerves inside the tooth. The tooth may become abscessed causing pain and sensitivity. If this is not treated the infection will spread, the bone around the tooth will begin to break down and the tooth could die and fall out.

Traditional treatments

Traditionally a mechanical drill is used to remove the decay and create an opening through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. A special instrument is then placed inside the tooth to remove all of the infection and remove the pulp material before special liquids are flushed through the canals to clean out the bacteria and create a sterile space. Special files are used to enlarge and shape the canals which are then filled and sealed with cones made of a rubber-like material called gutta perch. More of the rubber is used to then fill the rest of the pulp chamber.

Temporary cement is then used to fill the hole in the crown while a permanent restoration is made by the dentist from porcelain or gold. This restoration is called a crown and it necessary because the removal of the tooth's nerve and blood supply will dry it out and make it brittle. Without the crown the tooth could fracture or splinter.

Laser treatment

One of the main advantages of using a laser for root canal work is treatment time is much faster. In particular because the heat from the laser effectively cleans and sterilises the canals from bacteria fewer follow-up visits are required than with conventional treatments.

The method of treatment is almost the same as with a conventional drill except that once a hole has been made in the crown, longer tips are placed on the laser head in order to allow the dentist to reach down into the roots in order to remove all of the pulp material.

On completion a temporary and then permanent crown are likewise prepared. An additional advantage of laser treatment is that recovery time is much faster.

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