Root canal treatment refers to the treatment of the interior of the tooth. It is necessary when the soft tissue (also known as the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack and chips on the tooth enamel are the most common.

More importantly, tooth trauma caused by an accident can also lead to pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible damage. If pulp infection is left untreated, it can cause severe pain and tooth loss.

At Kings Dental Clinic, we performed root canals in Hammersmith and we appreciate that if you have never experienced this type of treatment before, you probably have questions. Our experienced dentists are here to guide you through the procedure.

What is a root canal treatment?

During a root canal treatment, the tooth pulp and tooth roots are thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria and other micro-organisms that cause infection. The bacteria and infected tissue remains are removed from the pulp and roots using special needles and chemical substances. Your teeth are then sealed with a filling or a crown for extra protection. Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp has become infected or when the infection has spread to the roots or jawbone.

When is a root canal treatment not possible?

Root canal treatment is performed when severe tooth decay or trauma has damaged a tooth that is worth preserving. It may not be a suitable treatment option if the tooth is badly damaged. In this case, it may need to be removed.

Which factors affect the outcome of root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is usually performed in order to treat an infected tooth. The treatment is considered successful when the infection disappears and the function of the tooth is restored. Factors that may influence the successful outcome of root canal treatment include your overall health, the extent of the bacteria present in the pulp of the tooth and the structure of the roots canals. Sometimes, tooth roots are partially or completely solidified, making it challenging to clean the root canal.