Root canal treatment

Teeth consist of a crown and one or more roots. The roots are anchored in the jawbone beneath the gums. Each root contains one or more root canals, which contain nerves and small blood vessels. If the tissue inside the root canal system becomes irreversibly damaged, for example following an injury, or becomes infected, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment.

At TANDZORG.NL, we aim to make root canal treatment as comfortable as possible. We therefore use modern techniques and equipment, including a dental operating microscope, ultrasonic cleaning and advanced filling systems.

Before treatment begins, an X-ray is taken to assess the shape and position of the roots. Local anaesthetic is then administered. Your dentist will place a rubber dam, a small sheet of rubber that isolates the tooth and helps maintain a clean and dry treatment area.

An opening is made in the chewing surface of the tooth to access the root canal system. Fine instruments are then used to remove the inflamed or damaged dental pulp and carefully clean and shape the root canals. The canals are thoroughly disinfected before being filled and sealed with a special root canal filling material. The tooth is then restored with a dental filling.

Root canal treatment often requires two appointments. In this case, a temporary filling is placed after the first appointment. At the second appointment, the root canals are permanently filled and the tooth is restored.

Once the tissues around the tooth have had sufficient time to heal, particularly if there was an infection, a partial or full dental crown is often recommended. This helps strengthen the treated tooth and reduces the risk of it fracturing in the future.