Root Fillings

What is a root filling?
A root filling or root canal treatment (RCT) is a filling which is placed into the root canal(s) of a tooth to seal it and prevent further infection.

It involves the cleaning and removal of infection from the root canal(s) of a tooth and is required when the pulp of the tooth has become infected through decay or injury.

How is a root filling done?
The aim of root treatment is to remove the infected pulp from the tooth and seal the root canal. This is achieved by cleaning, filing and irrigation using an antibacterial agent inside the root canal. The process is time-consuming and skilled procedure which may involve several visits to the practice and placement of a temporary filling while the tooth is allowed to settle after draining any abscess.

What happens if I do not have the root filling?
If it is not carried out then the infection may spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

Are root fillings always successful?
No - Even after root filling some teeth with the greatest care & attention the procedure may not be successful. Root fillings are a maximum of 92% successful, this is dependant on many complex factors such as level of infection, type of infection, periodontal condition and tooth/root canal morphology.

What happens if it is unsuccessful?
If the root filling is un-successful you can be referred to a specialist endodontist who will try to re-root fill the tooth. Unfortunately this does not always work and would be a last resort before the tooth is extracted.

What is the alternative to a root filling?
The alternative is to have the tooth taken out as once the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or dies it can't usually heal, resulting in a continued infection which may progress.

Although an extraction may seen easier and less time consuming it is usually best to try to save the tooth with a root filling.