ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS
Your teeth are very precious; once you have grown your adult set, they are the last set you will ever have. It is therefore very important to keep them by any means possible. If any of your teeth has undergone significant damage, root canal treatment is the only way to save them!
Root canal treatment is conducted to salvage a tooth that has been badly damaged. The root canal is the central cavity in the tooth, which contains a pulp. This soft area contains the nerve of the tooth, and if this becomes badly infected or harmed, root canal treatment is normally the only procedure to save the tooth. Root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp and filling the tooth in with a dental sealant.
Treating the affected area in this way not only saves the tooth from extraction, it also prevents the infection from spreading into other parts of the tooth, other teeth or to wide oral tissues. Root canal treatment is one of the best options available in this situation as leaving the tooth and/or losing it can cause a number of wider dental issues, including nerve problems in the mouth.
- Root canal therapy is needed when the tooth’s nerve is infected or decayed.
- The pulp and bacteria need to be removed to save the tooth.
- The tooth will be filled with medicated materials and rubber, and will need a crown or partial coverage restoration.
- Extracting the tooth can be more costly in the long term, causing adjacent and opposing teeth to tip or over-erupt/grow down into the space.
- Root canal treatment is highly successful and can last 10-15 years if carried out to a good standard.
- Over time, materials age and residual bacteria in the nerve space multiply, leading to another infection.
- The tooth can be retreated (with a lower success rate) or removed if necessary.
Signs, symptoms and possible indications for root canal treatment:
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum or face.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache.
- An abscess (round bump like pimple) on gums.
- Severe, spontaneous pain that is affecting sleep that is not affected by sleep.
- Pain on hot and biting.
- Discoloured teeth.
- Cracked or fractured teeth.
- Teeth with crowns, large fillings or decay.
“Root canal treatment is an incredible procedure that may be the only treatment which can save you from losing a tooth!”
Our Approach
In your initial appointment, we will have identified the need to perform root canal treatment. Following this appointment, we will usually have administered some antibiotics to limit the infection and reduce any further discomfort. If there is an abscess in the tooth this will be drained before the root canal treatment can take place. Additionally, we will discuss the full extent of the treatment to make sure you are comfortable to proceed.
Root canal treatment begins by using a rubber dam which is used to extract any saliva from the area which needs to be treated. A local anaesthetic will then be used in several points around the affected tooth to numb the area, so you will not feel pain during the treatment. We will then proceed to create a hole in the tooth, down to the infected pulp, which we will remove. Once the infected pulp is removed, we will fill the hole with a permanent or temporary filling (this will depend on your specific circumstance) which will then seal the hole.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatment is a vital procedure which can be the only way to save a tooth that has been badly damaged by pulp infection. It is an extremely high success, and almost every tooth that undergoes this treatment will last a lifetime. This kind of procedure is usually the cheaper option, as extracting the tooth can be lengthily and require follow-up procedures to fit a replacement tooth. Root canal treatment also enables you to maintain the appearance, form and function of your tooth.
If you’re experiencing pain and believe you may need root canal treatment, you should book an appointment immediately! Alternatively, get in touch with our team, and they can help to arrange an emergency appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
What is a root infection and how do I know if I have one?
- Decay or trauma can cause the nerve in a tooth to die.
- Bacteria can cause an abscess and chronic infection around the tooth.
- If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone degeneration, and gum disease.
- Symptoms of a root infection can vary, and regular dental appointments can help spot them early.
- Early treatment increases the success rate of root canal therapy.
- Delayed treatment may result in the need for tooth extraction.
How long does the repaired tooth last?
Generally, root filled teeth last around 10-15 years but can potentially last a lifetime! If the patient has a good oral care routine and visits the dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams, the restored tooth should have a long life.
What is a root canal procedure?
- Root canal treatment is done to remove microbes that cause infection in the nerve space of the tooth.
- The procedure is necessary when the tooth pulp is infected or when the infection has spread to the roots or jawbone.
- The infected tissue is removed from the pulp and roots using instruments and chemical rinses.
- After disinfection, a filling material is placed in the root canal.
What problems and pain can occur due to the root canal procedure?
- Root canal treatment is a multi-visit process that can last 30-120 minutes per visit.
- Keeping the mouth open during treatment can cause discomfort in the jaw joints and muscles, but a bite block can help.
- Local anaesthesia is used to prevent pain during the procedure, but in rare cases, it may not be effective, and antibiotics may be required prior to treatment.
- Discolouration of teeth may be associated with teeth requiring root canal treatment. The discolouration may be caused by the changes in the dental pulp precipitated by infection or bacteria within the tooth.
What can I do if root canal therapy doesn’t work?
- At times, a root canal won’t be able to save your tooth, meaning the only alternative is removal. If your dentist recommends this procedure, you may also need a tooth implant or dental bridge in order to restore full functionality of your mouth and smile.
Is there any other method to reduce my anxiety besides local anaesthesia?
- We are very sensitive to the fact that, no matter how well-informed you are about the procedure, you may still experience anxiety. Protecting your oral health is our top priority, and we don’t want you to forgo the treatment because you’re fearful about the procedure. In that case, we offer oral or IV sedation options that will calm you so that you can get the treatment you need.
How will I feel after a root canal?
- Your tooth may feel a little sensitive after the procedure, but you’ll finally be out of pain! If you’re experiencing soreness or sensitivity, you can take over-the-counter pain-relieving medications.
Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
- After your root canal procedure, you should be careful not to bite or chew on the treated tooth until it has been covered with some sort of protection against biting forces- a strong lab-made restoration or a nightguard. We encourage all patients to practice good daily oral care that includes flossing and brushing.
