Root Canal in South Africa

There are two basic reasons for carrying out root canal treatment. The first is pulpal infection, which may be the result of an untreated dental cavity. The other common reason for root canal treatment is trauma or injury to the pulp tissue, caused by an accident resulting in tooth fracture or from multiple fillings over the same tooth. A pulpal infection may affect the surrounding bone tissue, breaking the periodontal ligament fibers and leading to tooth mobility and abscess formation.

The aim of root canal treatment is to remove the infected pulpal tissue, and to save and seal the tooth by filling the empty root canal space with an inert material called gutta percha. The symptoms that may necessitate root canal treatment includes severe tooth ache, prolonged sensitivity to heat and cold, tooth discoloration, accidental injuries leading to tooth fracture, swelling over the nearby gum tissue and pus discharge.

How many sessions are required for Root Canal Treatment?
The number of sessions required for root canal depends on the individual case as well as the expertise of the dentist and the equipment used in the dental clinic. The treatment may require one or more office visits.

The first step is to take an IOPA radiograph to determine the extent of tissue damage and to have an idea about the size and shape of the root canals. The area is then anesthetized with the help of local anesthesia and a rubber dam is applied around the tooth requiring the treatment. This is carried out to separate the tooth, preventing cross contamination with saliva and other fluids.

An access cavity is prepared in the tooth to remove the decayed enamel, dentin and infected pulp tissue along with the debris and bacteria. The clean-out process is performed with the aid of root canal files and irrigant solution. A series of endodontic files of increasing diameter are used to clean the access cavity as well as the full length of the root canals. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite solution periodically helps in flushing away the accumulated debris, pus and bacteria from the root canal.

The dentist may take additional radiographs to ensure the full length of the root canal cavity is being worked. This point is key to determining the success of root canal treatment. Once the cavity is cleaned, gutta percha points are placed in the root canal space and the cavity is sealed.

The cavity may be sealed during the same appointment or in a separate session. If performed separately, the dentist places a temporary filling over the access cavity to keep it clean and free of infection till the next appointment which is scheduled for one week after the first visit.

The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth with a metal or ceramic crown.

How long does the entire process take?
The entire procedure for root canal treatment may be completed in a single sitting or may require several visits over a period of 7-10 days.

What are the chances of success?
Root canal treatment is a highly successful procedure and the success rate is almost 95%. In most cases, a successfully treated root canal lasts for a lifetime.

What type of dentist carries out Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is specifically performed by an endontic surgeon.
A general dentist with the skills required for root canal work can also perform the procedure.