When a tooth sustains a severe knock or becomes extremely decayed, it’s possible to salvage it by performing root canal treatment.

Today, root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure that’s followed up by treatment with a filling, or a beautifully-crafted bespoke crown.

The Treatment

Root canal treatment allows us to recover your tooth from requiring an extraction. At least 2 appointments are needed to perform root canal treatment. The length of the treatment will depend on which of your teeth need to be treated; front teeth normally have 1 root canal, whilst back teeth can have up to 4.

Step 1) Examination of the extent of the infection is established.

Step 2) Cleaning under local anaesthetic, the infected pulp (the living matter inside your tooth) is removed. The root canals are then cleaned and shaped, to accommodate a filling or a crown.

Step 3) Treating the root canals are filled with gutta-percha, which seals the tooth and stops bacteria from entering it in the future. The root canal filling is then sealed in place with your restoration, either a filling or a crown.

The benefits of root canal treatment

Unpleasant symptoms will subside after treatment.
Stabilise the health of your tooth.
Prevent infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
Your tooth will look more aesthetically pleasing (infection can often make a tooth appear grey in colour).

FAQs

Does root canal treatment hurt?
There was a time when root canal treatment was thought of as an invasive and daunting procedure. This is no longer the case today. You shouldn’t experience any discomfort during treatment, but if you’re feeling a little nervous we can offer sedation to help you relax. Our priority is helping you to feel at ease before and during treatment.

How do I avoid a dental infection in the future?
When it comes to avoiding a dental infection in the future, prevention is key. A few things you can do to avoid a tooth becoming infected include:

Never skip your routine dentist and hygienist visits.
Enjoy a low sugar diet.
Use an electric toothbrush.
Brush and floss regimentally.
Protect your teeth from the risk of trauma during contact sports.

What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?
Infected teeth can be problematic as they don’t always offer up any symptoms. It’s for this reason that we can’t stress how important it is to come along to routine dentist and hygienist appointments, as these are an opportunity for any hard-to-spot symptoms to be detected.

Some common symptoms of an infected tooth include: