The purpose of a root canal treatment is to eliminate bacteria from the root canal. In this treatment, the dentist shapes the root canal and provides a through mechanical and chemical cleansing of the canal.

According to Pure Dentistry Dentists in Brisbane, Root Canal treatment is a great method to repair and save a badly damaged natural tooth. According to R. Weiger, the success rate of root canal treatment is expected to be in 70% to 95%. This rate is estimated as the percentage of successfully treated teeth.

Root canal treatment involves removal of pupal tissue (tooth nerve). During the treatment, the nerve is removed, the canal is disinfected, and the root canal is then properly sealed to prevent bacteria entry and growth.

After a root canal treatment is completed, the tooth is usually is restored using a dental crown.

Root Canal treatment is indicated when the dentist finds an irreversible damage to the pulp of the tooth. Another indication is when the nerve is infected or dead.

When the dentists find indications for a root canal treatment, ty examine the tooth for the number of roots, relative length, calcification of canals and the overall shape of the tooth. Dentists use various machines or technologies to confirm the anatomy of the tooth. Only when the assessment is complete and the treatment plan is ready, they start the treatment.

Access is the first stage of the treatment. Access is required to be able to enter the canal. To have a good access, the dentist needs to have a good understanding of the tooth morphology. A great access can reduce stress on the instruments and reduce the chance of instrument fracture.

Shaping is done to facilitate cleaning. Shaping also provides adequate space for placing obturation materials. The main purpose of shaping in root canal treatment is to develop a funnel shape form the canal orifice to the apex. The degree of shaping depends on:

• Root dimension
• Obturation technique
• Restoration technique

Shaping varies from tooth to tooth. Teeth with narrow roots may not be enlarged as much as a bulkier tooth.

The success rate of the root canal treatment depends on the effectiveness of infection removal from the canal. Chemical preparation is used to achieve the best infection elimination in the canal. Chemical preparation flushes out remnants of the nerve and other debris created during drill of the access hole. Chemical treatment is also used to dissolve remaining nerve tissues from the canal.

Sometimes the anatomy of a tooth can be very complex for a root canal treatment. Some root canals may have S-Shaped curvatures. Some may not be readily detectable without use of modern 3D X-ray machines. Teeth may have more canals than previously anticipated.

The number of appointments required for the root canal treatment is debatable. Some dentists believe that a tooth with a vital pulp can be treated in one appointment. This idea is since the tooth is not diseased and therefore the canals are not infected.

Other dentists believe that two appointments are required especially when the patient has swelling or when the root canal cannot be dried during treatment. If bleeding is causing difficulties and the canal cannot be dried, the dentist waits until swelling is gone. The canal has to be dry prior to obturation.

Some dentists recommend that the treatment should be reviewed for at least four (4) years because complete healing could take a long time. If you have had a root canal treatment done, make sure that it is reviewed by your dentist in your visits to the dentist. Your dentist may evaluate the toot clinically or sometimes with an X-ray to check inside the tooth and under the surface.