This website is accredited by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question
What does root canal treatment really mean?

Answer
Root canal or endodontic treatment is a process whereby inflamed or dead pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth, enabling a tooth that was causing pain to be retained.

Dental pulp is the soft tissue in the canal that runs through the centre of a tooth. Once a tooth is fully formed it can function normally without its pulp and be kept indefinitely.

After removing the pulp, the root canals are cleaned, sterilised and shaped to a form that can be completely sealed with a filling material to prevent further infection. The treatment can take several appointments, depending on how complex the tooth is, and how long the infection takes to clear.

Subsequently a crown or complex restoration to restore or protect the tooth may be a necessary recommendation, as a tooth after undergoing treatment may be more likely to fracture.



More questions in this category:

What does root canal treatment really mean?
Why do I need root canal treatment?
What is root canal treatment?
What is the dental pulp?
What happens if the pulp is injured?
Why does the pulp need to be removed?
What does treatment involve?
How long will the restored teeth last?

Web Congress Logo.jpg


The ADA and the Local Organising Committee invite all associated with dentistry to participate in the Australian Dental Congress and Exhibition in Perth.
Mark the dates in your diaries 12-15 March 2009

DHW07 Logo.jpg

Dental Health Week is a community awareness program coordinated and funded by the ADA. In 2008 the ADA is leading a campaign to target 30-50 year olds and has developed a range of Fact Sheets on oral health care. August 4 - 10 is Dental Health Week

Click here for previous Dental Health Week material.

Mouthguard_ Web_Banner.JPG

Mouthguard Awareness

The ADA is once again conducting a Mouthguard Awareness campaign in 2008. 
> Read More

PHouse.jpg

On the 23rd July 2007 the ADA wrote to the major political parties seeking their policies on dental health issues. Click here to review the ADA Inc Report Card on Dental Health Policies Election 07 (PDF 122 KB) 


 Postcard Baby 2.jpg

As part of a community campaign to promote good oral health care for babies and toddlers the ADA has developed oral hygiene tips for parents and carers of young children. 
> Read More


Click here for information on the ADA Awards for Excellence in Dental Journalism


Site by DDG
(c) Australian Dental Association - Disclaimer