Root Canal Treatment

A Root Canal or Endodontic treatment involves removal of the dental pulp which is in the center of the tooth root canal. This may be necessary as the pulp may be infected, damaged or dead. This can cause pain and an abscess can develop. The dental pulp is extracted from the root canal and the remaining space cleaned, reshaped and refilled. The procedure seals off the root canal.

At part of our Team at our clinic in Miraflores o San Isidro, Lima, we have an experienced Endodontist/Root canal specialist who carries out all our root canal treatments. She speaks English and Spanish and takes the time to be gentle making it is a painless and routine procedure.

The Root Canal Procedure

The illustration above shows the stages within the Root Canal procedure. Before starting, an x-ray is necessary to assess the size and shape of the root canal. We will also check if the surrounding bone has been infected. Anesthesia is applied so you will not feel any pain or discomfort. The pulp and decayed or infected nerve tissue which are the cause of the toothache are removed and we will clean inside the tooth leaving it free of infection. The whole area is cleaned and a reinforcing fibre post is inserted into the canal, then the cavity is sealed with a filling. Sometimes a dental crown is required to protect the tooth and restore function.

Frequently asked questions

When and why is a root canal performed?

It is performed in cases of irreversible chronic pulpitis where the patient experiences acute pain and sometimes also as a preventive measure when a restoration treatment such as a crown is being performed.

The vast majority of root canals are caused by extensive caries or cavities that reach the nerve thereby causing pain. In other circumstances it is performed where a chronic pulp infection has occurred and the nerve is effectively dead but does not cause pain. In these cases, sometimes a fistula, i.e. a small lump, erupts over the crown of the tooth and has to be removed.

Does it hurt?

When carried out by an experienced Endodontist, the treatment is painless and routine. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthetic and no pain or discomfort should be felt. In some cases, once the effects of the anesthetic have worn off, a slight feeling of discomfort may be felt in the area treated, but this passes within a couple of days. We also prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to be taken in the days following treatment.

Long-term consequences

Root canal treatment, if not performed properly, can cause a weakening of the tooth structure in the medium or long term which can result in a fracture of the tooth. Much depends on the quantity of material that is removed from the tooth and the skill of the person carrying out the treatment. To prevent any fracture and to reinforce the strength of the tooth, a fibre post is often placed in the tooth canal and capped with a filling or crown. These measures will preserve the long-term integrity of the tooth and are especially important if the patient suffers with Bruxism (acute grinding or clenching of the teeth).

Testimonials

The service was very high quality, very proactive, and very fast. The Dentist spoke English and she completely understood the pain I was in. The team was extremely reassuring. It is a difficult decision to have emergency dental treatment in a foreign country while on vacation, however I am so glad I did!

Sonja - USA