Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a restorative procedure designed to save a tooth that has been damaged or infected deep within. Rather than removing the tooth, the treatment removes the inflamed or infected tissue inside the root canal, cleans and disinfects the space, then seals it to prevent further infection.
Treatment Goal
The main goal of root canal therapy is to preserve your natural tooth. By eliminating infection and protecting the inner structures from bacteria, this treatment helps maintain normal chewing function, bite alignment, and aesthetics—without the need for extraction or replacement.
For many patients, root canal treatment is a comfortable and predictable way to relieve pain and restore long-term oral health.
Root Canal Retreatment
In some cases, a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment may not heal properly or may develop a new infection. Root canal retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, and carefully cleaning and reshaping the canal before resealing it.
Retreatment can often save a tooth that might otherwise require extraction, particularly when issues such as missed canals, new decay, or leakage around old restorations are present.
Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
When infection persists despite root canal or retreatment, an apicoectomy—also known as root-end surgery—may be recommended.
During this minor procedure, the tip of the tooth root and surrounding infected tissue are removed, and the end of the root is sealed to prevent further infection.
An apicoectomy offers a long-term and predictable solution for persistent infection, especially when conventional retreatment is not possible.
Saving Your Natural Tooth
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is the best choice for long-term oral health. Root canal therapy, retreatment, and apicoectomy are all performed with this goal in mind—to eliminate infection, relieve discomfort, and keep your smile complete.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, or swelling, schedule a consultation at Aleph Dental in Kota Kinabalu to find out if root canal treatment is right for you.
