Why does your tooth need RCT?
The root canal system contains the pulp (often known as the nerve), which is a living tissue. The pulp can be damaged or killed by a number of factors, the main ones being decay or trauma. A damaged pulp becomes infected and inflamed, leading to increased pressure in a confined place, pain and sometimes swelling of the bone and soft tissues as the infection passes out of the end of the root.

How is RCT carried out?
Two to three appointments of one and a half hours each are needed.

1. The tooth is numbed and isolated with a rubber sheet to prevent bacteria from saliva getting inside the tooth, and medicaments getting into the mouth.
   
   
2. The root canal system is cleaned to remove infected, inflamed and dead tissue. It is disinfected and shaped carefully in order to fill and seal the space to prevent re-infection. A rubber type filling material and cement are used in the sealing procedure.
   
   
3. Three to four X-rays are taken during the stages of treatment.
   
   
4. Temporary dressings are placed after each visit.
   
   
5. Following RCT it is necessary to place a good restoration as root filled teeth are more brittle than normal teeth. A crown or onlay is usually recommended.

How easy or difficult is RCT?
The root canal system is assessed by X-ray and by direct vision through the crown of the tooth. The particular tooth (eg incisor, canine, premolar or molar), its size and number of roots, position in the mouth and ease of access are important considerations. The size of the canals may decrease with age making them difficult to locate. Some roots are very curved making their negotiation difficult. Retreatment is sometimes awkward as the old root filling may be firmly lodged.

What are the possible complications?

1. Perforations of the root canal.
   
   
2. Root fracture.
   
   
3. Fracture of instruments in canals.
   
   
4. Excessive filling material being placed beyond the root.
   
   
5. Pain and swelling - post treatment discomfort may be common, but usually resolves within 48 hours and is controlled with pain killers.

These complications may be minimalised by spending adequate time on each stage of the treatment. However they cannot be entirely ruled out, but do not necessarily lead to failure of treatment. Minor surgery is sometimes a viable option.

What is the success rate of RCT?
The range of success is from 60-95% depending on the various factors highlighted. Retreatments and teeth with large infections may give a less favourable response.