Root canal treatment
Treatment Explanation
Under the hard enamel of your teeth is the pulp cavity, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels and the nerve (pulp). In the event of a deep cavity (caries) or a hard blow to the tooth, this nerve can become inflamed. This often causes severe, throbbing pain and sensitivity to cold and heat. The dentist then performs a root canal treatment (or endodontic treatment) to remove the nerve, eliminate the pain and save the tooth.
Step by step: the treatment
- Anesthesia and isolation: We anesthetize the tooth thoroughly. We then place a rubber dam (a rubber patch) to keep the tooth clean and dry.
- Cleaning the canal: The dentist opens the tooth and removes the inflamed and/or dead nerve. We use very fine files and disinfectant liquids to clean the root canals down to the last detail and make them bacteria-free.
- Filling the channel: The clean channels are filled with a special rubber-like filling material, so that no new bacteria can enter.
- Sealing: Finally, the tooth is closed with a regular white filling, or - if the tooth is severely weakened - it is advised to place a crown.
Is the treatment painful?
A root canal treatment is known to be painful, but thanks to modern and strong anesthesia, the treatment itself is generally painless. It actually relieves you from the severe toothache you had before. After the treatment, there may be mild after-pain for a few days; a normal painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is sufficient for this.
Would you like to make an appointment?
Do you have any questions about this treatment or would you like to schedule an appointment? At Mondzorg Koningstraat we take our time for you and explain clearly in advance what we do and what the costs are.