Menu
Two words associated with dentistry often get an unfair wrap—” root canal”. This treatment is used when you have a dental infection. However, just mentioning it can strike fear into the hearts of people who need it.
The truth is that this procedure is refined and uses precision techniques, equipment, and anaesthesia to achieve the desired result with minimal discomfort.
So, what is a root canal treatment? Why and how do we perform it? And when should you visit us for treatment?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about root canal treatments and put your mind at ease ahead of your appointment.
Every tooth has an area filled with living tissue and nerve endings. Collectively known as “dental pulp,” this can be found in the pulp chamber, extending down to the root canals. Root canals are channels within the roots that probe deep into your jaw. Depending on the tooth, you can have up to four root canals.
Protected by layers of dentin and enamel, the pulp chamber is usually safe from infection. However, if you damage your tooth or develop a cavity, bacteria can enter and spread to the living tissue.
A root canal treatment removes any infection from inside your tooth.
When bacteria enter your tooth, the body’s natural response is to fight them. This results in inflammation of the infected tissue, which can press against the sensitive nerve endings and cause considerable pain.
Aside from the pain and discomfort of your infection, there are bigger reasons to seek treatment.
Infections will kill the cells within your tooth. A black, necrotic tooth can ruin the appearance of your smile. Worse than this, infections can spread.
You may develop an abscess, a pocket of pus around the bottom of your tooth. Untreated infections can spread to the gums or neighbouring teeth, and if bacteria enter your bloodstream, you could develop sepsis, putting your vital organs and life at risk.
Before every root canal treatment is performed, we provide local anaesthetic. This improves your comfort level and prevents pain during the procedure. Before the treatment begins, we’ll take X-rays of your tooth to get a clear picture of the infection.
We begin the procedure by carefully and thoroughly removing all infected matter from inside your tooth. Once we’re happy that your tooth is sanitised, we will fill it.
We’ll use gutta-percha, which is a natural latex-like material, to fill the interior of your tooth before closing it with a filling.
Although a filling will protect your tooth for now, we may recommend having a crown placed over it. This will provide superior protection and reduce the risk of a recurrence of the infection.
If you have a dental infection, seeing us for treatment as quickly as possible is important. Although needing a root canal treatment isn’t normally classed as an emergency, we recommend that you don’t delay getting in touch, and we’ll do our best to get you in at the earliest convenient time.
Infections that show signs of having progressed may require more urgent care.
The symptoms of infection include:
Dental infections can cause such discomfort that you may find eating, sleeping, speaking, or working difficult. Once we’ve removed the infection, you will notice an immediate improvement in your symptoms.
Although it’s understandable that you won’t ever want to have a root canal treatment, if the time comes, understanding the process can help reduce anxiety surrounding the procedure.
Modern root canal treatments use the latest dental innovations to ensure your comfort throughout. Our supportive team is also always on hand to ensure a smooth procedure.
