Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when the nerve of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected.
This can happen through decay, a deep filling, cracks or trauma.
Treatment removes the infection from inside the tooth, relieves pain and allows the tooth to be sealed and restored, helping to avoid extraction where possible.
When Might You Need Root Canal Treatment?
The pulp sits inside the centre of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels. If bacteria reach this area, the pulp can become inflamed or infected.
This may happen because of:
- Tooth Decay: Deep decay can eventually reach the pulp inside the tooth.
- Cracks or Damage: A cracked or injured tooth can allow bacteria to enter.
- Previous Dental Work: A very deep or leaking restoration can sometimes affect the pulp.
* Possible symptoms include pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth or gum, or a change in the colour of the tooth. Sometimes the pain can settle even though the infection is still present, so an examination and X-ray may be needed to find the cause.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment may take one or more appointments depending on the tooth and the level of infection.
1. Numbing the Tooth: We use local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
2. Removing the Infection: We carefully access the inside of the tooth and remove the infected or damaged pulp.
3. Cleaning the Canals: The narrow canals inside the roots are cleaned, shaped and disinfected before being sealed.
4. Restoring the Tooth: The tooth is filled and sealed once treatment is complete. A temporary filling may be used between appointments if more than one visit is needed.
Teeth can be more prone to fracture after root canal treatment, especially back teeth, so we may recommend a crown or another suitable restoration to protect them long term.
Aftercare
Your mouth may stay numb for a few hours, so avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the anaesthetic has worn off.
Some tenderness around the tooth is normal for a few days and should gradually settle. Until the treatment and final restoration are complete, avoid biting hard or sticky foods on that tooth.
Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth as normal.
If you develop increasing pain, swelling, or symptoms that are not settling, contact us so we can assess the tooth.
