31, Pavlou Krineou, 8035, Paphos, Cyprus
Symeou Dental Clinic: 00357-26960030
A root canal is needed when the blood and nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth which will eventually lead to an abscess. If a root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted.
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and may involve more than one visit to the dentist to complete.
As a dead tooth is more brittle, it is usually necessary to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth after the root canal is completed.
If you don't have the treatment, the alternative is to have the tooth removed. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can't heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.
Demystifying the myth:
Whilst there is undisputable evidence about the effectiveness of root canal treatment, misinformation continues, that the root canals cause cancer or other health problems. To date, there has been no scientific evidence linking root canal disease and disease elsewhere in the body.
American Association of Endodontics (AAE) states there is no causality between root canals and cancer; in the event of a patient having experienced both does not mean a cause-and-effect relationship exists.