The Epsom Dental Centre offer root canal treatments in order to avoid tooth loss if the nerve of a tooth becomes infected. An infection occurs most commonly as a result of tooth decay, injury, or a leak/break in an existing filling.
The key to this type of treatment is the removal of the harmful bacteria present in the root canal system that has caused infection and subsequent damage to the tooth. Once the bacteria has been cleared out, the affected tooth is protected and sealed by using a crown or filling.
Once treatment has been completed, great care should be taken to maintain the health of your teeth and gums as part of your daily lifestyle.
Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is infected or the pulp found in the centre of the tooth is damaged. This usually happens as a result of bad tooth decay or an oral infection. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and the pulp are removed. The harmful bacteria cleared out of the inside of the tooth and the affected area will then be sealed.
If an infection of the pulp goes untreated it will start to cause pain and swelling. It may also cause an abscess to form. If you start to experience pain and swelling you should consult your dentist immediately.
These are common symptoms experienced by patients in need of a root canal treatment:
If you have an infection of the pulp, you may not feel any pain. In some cases the pus is able to drain away through a fistula (tunnel) through the bone and there won’t be a pressure build-up in the area. Your dentist will be able to recognise the infection on an X-ray of your teeth. In this instance, your tooth will still need root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment sounds quite painful, doesn’t it? But actually, the procedure itself is not painful and will only cause mild discomfort. Thanks to numbing gels and anaesthetic injections, you shouldn’t experience any pain during a root canal treatment. The painful part is the discomfort experienced before you sought dental care.
Depending on the situation, a root canal treatment will usually be completed in one session. However, some teeth have more roots than others and require longer treatment. Teeth with active infections will typically require multiple visits.
When the root canal treatment is complete, you will need to see your dentist again to have a crown or filling placed on the tooth. The tooth will be more vulnerable after a root canal treatment, so a crown or filling is essential to protect the tooth.
