To give you a visual idea of the procedure see the green illustration above. The procedure may take several visits to complete.

Involves removing the rusty sink/decay on the biting surface of the tooth. Once this is done the pipes are identified and the rusty inside the pipes/inflamed or infected pulp tissue is removed, followed by some inflammatory and antibacterial medication being added. This helps to relieve the pain.The tooth is stabilised in this session to prevent the rust/bacteria getting into the pipes and spreading no that the pulpal tissue has been removed. Pain or discomfort, if any usually lasts no more than a few days. Some patients may want to take a mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen or paracetamol

Rust/Decay still remains on the walls of the pipes as a result fine instruments are used to clean these walls in combination with medication. This stage may be repeated a few times if symptoms remain or still have infection.

Once the dentist is happy that the infection has been treated, the pipes have to be replaced and sealed up to prevent rust returning. Once the inside has been filled the dentist will work on the biting surface. It is very important that the top part of the tooth that is in the oral environment is clean and sealed. That is why it is left till stage 4.

Once the infection has been shown to be gone, stable or resolving then a tooth coloured or metal crown can be placed to protect the tooth. The reason why this is recommended is because the pipes/canals had to be widening when it was clean which decreases the strength of the tooth and increases the risk of splitting the tooth in half. As a result a crown is usually recommended.

Risks and Possible Complications:

Even with the highest standards of surgical practice, there are risks associated with all surgical procedures which makes root canal treatment no different. Although your oral health practitioner will make every attempt to minimise risks, complications can still occur with some being permanent. It is important you understand and weigh up the risks with the benefits before treatment. The following possible complications are listed below to help you make an informed decision regarding the potential risks that can occur. They are not to scare you, but to help you make a well-informed decision. It is not an extensive list with all the possible complications. It is important to inform your dentist of all your medical history, medications you are taking, your occupation and any concerns to help the dentist provide a personalised risk complication information that is specific to you.

Risks during Root Canal Treatment

Some people can have pain and/or discomfort around the tooth during and shortly after treatment. Your dentist may recommend a pain reliever at these times. If the pain lasts more than a few days, inform you dent

Special Small metal files are used to clean the root piping (Canals). They are very fine and occasionally (0.4-3.6% chance) they may break during use just due multiple factors like the anatomy of your tooth. Depending on the stage of treatment, they can sometimes be utilised to help with the seal. The long term effect needs to be consider which depends on situation and multiple components. If the file needs to be removed then you may need to see a specialist (Endodontist).

Depending on the size and shape of the roots, there is the risk of creating holes on the side of the tooth root during the cleaning process (Stage 2). If this occurs you may need to see the specialist (Endodontist) in order to get this sealed properly.

This is an uncommon risk that can result in acute pain, progressive swelling, bruising and redness that usually subside weeks to months later. Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) is an irrigation solution used in root canal treatment to help clean the canals. It has strong antibacterial and tissue dissolving properties which are used to disinfect the canals. However, in some individuals it can cause serious complications if in contact with tissue that is still alive. Pre-cautions are taken to reduce this risk using high-volume suction, rubber dam and specially designed applicators. However, if this occurs or you notice any of the above features during root canal treatment. Let your oral health practitioner know so they can help treat it.

The tooth may feel slightly different during and after treatment when compared to the other teeth. This is normal and tends to disappear gradually. However, if the difference in feeling persists, inform your dentist or endodontist as further treatment may be needed.

Risks associated with Root Canal Treated Teeth

As mentioned in the why we do root canal treatment section, the main goal of root canal treatment is to save the tooth, and in most cases we are successful in doing that. However, there are multiple factors involved and we cannot 100% guarantee that it will be successful in every case, nor can we accurately predict how long that tooth will last. However, be reassured that are aim in selectively choosing the right cases and using the current research and tools is meant to help this process. With the ultimately objective, to keep your natural tooth in relatively normal function and aesthetic ability for as long as possible.

86-98% heal after treatment however in 2-14% the infection continues this could occur due to multiple reasons (resistant bacteria, a cyst or a reaction to materials). In these situations the tooth may have to be treated by a specialist in which they may treat the endo again or they may do an apicectomy (a minor surgery to remove the tip of the root). Alternatively the tooth can be removed (taken out) by the dentist.

Sometimes, the treated tooth may lose its original white shade and become darker. This can be of concern if a front tooth is affected. If the person is unhappy with the appearance there is the option of bleaching, or the placement of a crown or veneer

After Root Canal treatment, the tooth is not as strong as a normal tooth as it has lost alot of structure on the top and within the the piping (canals). The tooth is like a twig at this stage, this especially true if it is a molar. As a result it is highly recommended you have a cap (Crown) placed to help provide some strength for the tooth

The tooth may feel slightly different during and after treatment when compared to the other teeth. This is normal and tends to disappear gradually. However, if the difference in feeling persists, inform your dentist or endodontist as further treatment may be needed.

It is possible to have pain or infection occurring months or years after a tooth has been treated. If this is happening it is usually due to bacteria still entering the tooth, which could be a result of further deep decay, trauma, a cracked tooth or a crack filling. Which should be reviewed and cared for by a dentist or specialist.