Saving teeth that would otherwise have been extracted
Root canal treatment involves the removal of pulp tissues from inside an infected or inflamed tooth. The pulp, the innermost soft tissues of the tooth, contains blood vessels and nerves and is protected by the hard, white enamel layer and thicker dentine layer that make up the crown.
When is root canal treatment needed?
The pulp can become infected or inflamed due to deep decay, an extensive restoration, trauma involving a cracked or fractured tooth, excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp, and sometimes as a result of severe gum disease.
Signs you may need root canal treatment include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of the overlying gums or a bad taste in your mouth. On the other hand, you may experience no symptoms at all. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause further pain, swelling or loss of the supporting bone.
Why have root canal treatment?
Our aim is to save teeth from extraction and return them to normal functionality.
After root canal treatment, the tooth is pulp-less and has no vital tissues within it. However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root, including the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone. With routine dental care and excellent oral hygiene measures at home, your root canal treated tooth can function just as your other teeth do.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Although they have a reputation for being painful, root canal procedures are relatively comfortable and often painless, as we use local anaesthetic during treatment. Afterwards, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues, but this can be relieved with mild painkillers. However, if the pain persists and is severe, please contact your dentist for advice.
