PKWY Dental Specialist Practice
9 Scotts Road #12-02 Pacific Plaza
Singapore 228210
| Tel | : | +65 6836 9808 |
| : | services@pkwydental.com.sg |
9 Scotts Road #12-02 Pacific Plaza
Singapore 228210
| Tel | : | +65 6836 9808 |
| : | services@pkwydental.com.sg |
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to relieve dental pain and preserve the natural structure of one’s teeth.
During this procedure, your dental specialist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleanses and disinfects the root canals, and fills the space to seal the space. After a root canal procedure, the tooth is dead. You will no longer feel any pain in that tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed, and the infection has been eliminated.
By undergoing root canal treatment, patients can often avoid the need for tooth extraction while enjoying improved oral health and comfort.
Root canal treatment is necessary when inflammation or infection affects the soft tissue within the root canal, known as the pulp. This condition can arise due to advanced tooth decay, recurrent dental interventions, or structural damage such as fractures or chips in the tooth. Additionally, trauma to the tooth, even if not visibly apparent, can precipitate pulp damage.
Signs that a root canal may be necessary include persistent or severe toothaches when chewing, swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums, as well as darkening or discoloration of the affected tooth. Prolonged sensitivity or pain following the removal of stimuli, along with the appearance of a pimple-like bump on the gums, are also possible signs.
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary based on factors such as tooth location, case complexity, and patient anatomy. On average, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes long. More complicated or serious cases may take longer.
The recovery time after a root canal treatment usually lasts several days, during which patients experience discomfort or sensitivity. Achieving full recovery can take up to one month or more, depending on the severity of the condition, the extent of the procedure, and how well the patient followed post-treatment instructions.
Root canal treatments are considered safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which include:
The following steps are required for post treatment care and a speedy recovery:
One option is tooth extraction, which becomes necessary if the tooth is damaged beyond repair. After extraction, you may replace the missing tooth with dental implants, bridges, or removable dentures.
Direct pulp capping may be considered as well, where a dental material is placed directly over an exposed pulp to encourage healing and prevent further damage.
Another alternative is a pulpotomy, often chosen for children with immature teeth, where only the infected part of the pulp is removed and a medicated filling is applied to aid healing.
Root canal treatment itself is not painful as patients receive anaesthesia. After the anaesthesia wears off, however, one will then experience pain, which can be alleviated by pain medications.
Root canal treatments have a generally high success rate, though outcomes can vary based on factors like tooth location, extent of infection or damage, the dentist’s skill, and the patient’s existing oral health.
The necessity of a crown after root canal treatment depends on several factors such as the tooth's initial condition, position, and the extent of remaining healthy tooth structure.
Yes, children can undergo root canal treatment, depending on the circumstances of their dental health. It may be necessary if the child has severely decayed or infected teeth, dental trauma, or other conditions that affect the pulp of the tooth.
Yes, it can. This might be due to incomplete removal of infected tissue, or the presence of additional canals in the tooth that were not adequately cleaned and sealed.
At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, our expertise in root canal treatment means that we are able to safely resolve dental pain, improve oral health, and preserve our patients’ natural teeth as far as possible.
Our skilled team of dentists include those with a special interest in endodontics. Combined with our use of microscopic endodontic techniques and microsurgical tools, patients can expect to effectively preserve their existing teeth and restore oral health and comfort.
For more information root canal treatments, please reach out to our clinic today.
