Root Canals
A root canal is a dental procedure used to eliminate infected or damaged pulp within a tooth, preserving the tooth’s structure and relieving pain. Our top priority is your comfort and safety, with advanced techniques for a smooth and minimally invasive root canal procedure that saves your tooth.
Do you need a root canal?
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth in the event that it gets infected or inflamed. The pulp can be infected or inflamed due to either deep decay or an extensive restoration that involves the pulp, cracked or fractured tooth due to trauma, excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp, and sometimes as a result of severe gum disease.
Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of the overlying gums or a bad taste in the mouth. On the other hand, there may be no symptoms at all. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can eventually cause pain, swelling and loss of the supporting bone.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise have been extracted. After root canal treatment the tooth is pulp-less i.e. it has no vital tissues within. However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root e.g. the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone.
A root canal treated tooth can function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures.
HOW IS TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?
Removal of the infected or inflamed pulp is the first step in saving the tooth. Under local anaesthetic an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to get access to the infected or inflamed pulp within.
Using small, specially designed hand or rotary files, the root canals are cleaned and shaped to a form that can be sealed. Debris within the canals is removed by flushing with an anti-bacterial solution.
The canals are finally filled or sealed with an inert material called gutta-percha. The tooth should be restored to full shape and function by either a permanent filling or a crown, depending on how much of the tooth is left. This should be done as soon as possible as there could be a risk of tooth fracture due to biting forces.
All root canal treatment procedures are performed by isolating the tooth with a rubber dam to provide a clean and saliva-free environment. Root canal treatment may be done in single or multiple visits depending on the complexity of the tooth. In between treatment appointments, medicaments may be placed within the canals and the tooth is covered with a temporary filling. Often, X-rays are taken to determine the length of the root and to monitor the various treatment stages.
Care Of The Root-Treated Tooth
As far as possible, avoid chewing or biting on the tooth being treated until you have it permanently restored with either a filling or a crown. Excessive pressure at this stage may crack or fracture the tooth. Therefore, it is very important to restore the tooth properly as soon as possible. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as natural teeth following permanent restoration.
Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing at all times, as root-filled teeth are as prone to decay as natural teeth. It is also important to have your treated tooth reviewed regularly by your dentist.As far as possible, avoid chewing or biting on the tooth being treated until you have it permanently restored with either a filling or a crown. Excessive pressure at this stage may crack or fracture the tooth. Therefore, it is very important to restore the tooth properly as soon as possible. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as natural teeth following permanent restoration.
Root canal process
infected tooth
filling
canals filled
new crown
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Book a consultation with us for your Root Canal.
welcome to the dental practice uk
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Need a practical and affordable solution? Book a consultation with us for your Root Canal.
root canals QUESTIONS YOU MAY have
FAQ’s
A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth from extraction by removing infected or damaged pulp, then cleaning and sealing the tooth’s root canals.
You may require a root canal if you have a severely infected or damaged tooth. This procedure can alleviate pain, prevent further infection, and preserve your natural tooth.
No, root canals are typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you won’t experience pain during the procedure. Discomfort afterward is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
During a root canal, your dentist or endodontist will remove the infected pulp, clean the tooth’s interior, and seal the canals. This common dental procedure aims to preserve your natural tooth and relieve pain.
After a root canal, you may experience mild discomfort for a few days, which can be relieved with pain relievers. You can typically resume normal activities soon after the procedure, with follow-up appointments to monitor your tooth’s healing.
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