Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, involves removing infected pulp from the innermost part of the tooth. This prevents the infection from spreading and can help save a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted. Root canal treatment is a very effective way to save your natural tooth and return it to full function once more.
Endodontic treatment relieves the pain caused by infected pulp almost instantly, and prevents the infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth. The dental pulp within your tooth is made up of soft tissue, including nerves and blood vessels, and extends from the crown to the tips of the root. Damage to the pulp is normally caused by decay, a deep filling, trauma to the tooth, or occasionally gum disease.
Root canal treatment is a very effective way to alleviate the symptoms of pain, sensitivity and tenderness, and prevent the need for extraction. We prioritise preventative care, and do all we can to save your natural teeth, stopping any further problems that could be caused by a lost tooth. Root canal treatment is also less expensive than replacing a tooth that has been extracted.
Root canal treatment usually requires several appointments, depending on the type of tooth being treated. Between appointments, your tooth will be covered and temporarily restored.
Firstly, we take an x-ray to accurately check the root canals of your tooth and make sure there are no signs of infection in the surrounding bone. We plan your treatment, letting you know of each stage.
We place a rubber sheet around your tooth to keep it dry during treatment. We carefully remove the infected pulp, using local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort. We then flush the root canals with an antibacterial solution to thoroughly clean them.
We use special tiny instruments to shape the root canals before washing them again to remove any lasting debris. We then fill them with a rubber compound material to seal the tooth and prevent any bacteria from entering and causing further infection.
The treated root canal is sealed with a permanent filling. In some cases, we may need to use a crown to help restore tooth shape and functionality for a natural looking finish.
Root canal treatment normally requires several visits, depending on the type of tooth being treated. Front teeth are quicker to treat as they only have one root canal whereas back teeth can have up to four so will take longer. Appointments are normally spaced over weekly intervals.
Despite its reputation for being painful, root canal treatment will actually be nowhere near as bad as you are expecting! We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected tooth, so it is a relatively comfortable experience, similar to having a standard filling. You will likely feel great relief once you are no longer in pain from your infected tooth.
The best way to look after your tooth following endodontic treatment is to keep up with a regular brushing and flossing routine. Root filled teeth are still prone to decay, so need to be cared for properly. You should also avoid sugary food and try to give up smoking. Immediately following treatment, be careful not to bite down too hard on the tooth.
If looked after properly, with regular brushing and flossing, your root canal treated tooth should stay trouble-free and provide a long lasting repair. Even though the pulp has been removed, the tooth will stay intact because the canals have been sealed to prevent re-infection. Regular check-ups are also recommended so any problems can be detected early.
If it is properly cared for, your root treated tooth should function well for many years and cause no issues. In some cases, the treatment may need to be repeated, but this is rare.
The only alternative to endodontic treatment is to have the affected tooth removed, thus eliminating the pain and infection. We try to avoid this, as it is much better for you to keep your natural tooth. An extraction also incurs additional costs relating to filling the gap left in your smile. Occasionally, removing the tooth is inevitable, but we will talk to you about your options in full.
