Root Canal Treatment is used to save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed. It is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. The infection can cause an abscess. The whole treatment could take one or two appointments, it might vary from patient to patient.
The first appointment involves opening the tooth, and removing the nerve to stop the toothache, cleaning out. Once all the disinfecting canals are found there is a placement of medicated temporary dressing and a temporary cap (Crown). The second appointment is used for filling and sealing the tooth usually with a crown. The two appointments are usually scheduled about a week apart. Advantages of this approach are that it makes managing any flare-ups that develop easier and more predictable, and it also gives the dentist an opportunity to monitor the progress of the tooth’s healing process.
