A damaged nerve can be very painful. This will either lead to tooth extraction or a root filling may be required.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is a treatment required when the blood and nerve supply in a tooth (known as the pulp) becomes infected through dental decay or injury.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
If the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread throughout the root canal system of the tooth and could eventually form an abscess.
If root canal treatment is not carried out to remove the infection, or to stop infection spreading, the tooth may have to be taken out.
Does it hurt?
No. Treatment is carried out routinely under a local anaesthetic and is therefore painless. At Gentle Dental, we are proud of the time and care we take to ensure that treatment remains pain free. There will sometimes be some settling down in the time between appointments, or following placing the filling.
What does it involve?
The objective of the treatment is the removal of all infection from the Root Canal. The Root Canal is then refilled to prevent infection, which then allows the tissues around the tooth to heal.
Root Canal treatment is a skilled and time consuming procedure. A typical course of treatment may therefore involve two or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment for treatment, the infected pulp is then removed. Any abscesses which may be present can also be drained at this time . The Root Canal system is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared ready for filling.
A temporary filling is then placed in the tooth until the final visit, when the Root Canals are re-checked for any infection, and then permanently filled.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
In the past, a root filled tooth often darkened after treatment. With modern techniques this does not necessarily happen. However, should a slight change of colour occur due to the treatment carried out inside the tooth, this can be corrected to restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
What if it happens again?
Modern Root Canal treatment procedures are highly successful and recurrence of infection is uncommon. However, should it happen again, the treatment can be repeated. For Private root fillings, we are happy to extend our two year guarantee.
Is it expensive?
Root Canal treatment can take several hours to complete, depending on the difficulties encountered. It is the time required which will dictate the cost. However, your dentist will be pleased to give you an estimate. There are usually three aspects to the fee. Firstly the root filling itself, then usually at least two X-rays and the final restoration to build up the crown of the tooth.
What if I do not have this treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth removed, because once the pulp has been destroyed by infection, it cannot heal. Whilst the removal of a tooth may be preferred in some cases, the overall balance of dental health can be more easily maintained by keeping as many of your natural teeth as possible.
Will the tooth be safe after treatment?
Yes. However, under some circumstances a tooth may require a restoration such as a crown to help give further protection to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be obtained?
Root Canal treatment is a routine dental procedure which we are happy to undertake at Gentle Dental.
