Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure used to treat infection or inflammation in the soft tissue inside a tooth (the pulp). The main goal of the treatment is to remove the infected or inflamed pulp, disinfect the canals inside the tooth, and then fill and seal the canals to prevent re-infection. The treatment options for a root canal include:
- Traditional Root Canal: This is the most common method of root canal treatment. It involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals, and then filling and sealing them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- Apicoectomy: This is a surgical procedure used when the infection or inflammation in the pulp has spread to the tip of the tooth’s root. The infected tissue is removed and a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root.
- Retreatment: This procedure is done when the initial root canal treatment is unsuccessful or if a new infection develops in the treated tooth. The process involves reopening the tooth and cleaning and reshaping the canals.
- Apexification: This procedure is used when the root of a tooth is not fully formed. The goal is to create a barrier to seal the end of the root, which can then be treated with a root canal.
- Vital Pulp Therapy: This is a non-surgical procedure used to treat teeth with reversible pulpitis. The process aims to preserve the vitality of the pulp, rather than removing it.
Please note, the best option for you will depend on the diagnosis, the condition of your tooth, and your individual circumstances. Your dentist or endodontist will recommend the best treatment option for you.