“Endodontics” may sound complex, but this is actually a common and highly effective treatment to save your natural teeth. However, when you’re in need of help, it’s important to choose a dentist you can trust. You’ll need someone who can provide expert endodontic care in Bristol – especially if you’re experiencing tooth pain or facing the prospect of tooth extraction.
What is endodontic treatment?
Endodontic treatment – better known as root canal therapy – is a method for treating the inside of a tooth when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. If you’re experiencing this, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be, and this discomfort often leads to fear around seeking treatment.
However, endodontics is far less scary than you might think. In fact, the process has significantly evolved in recent years, with modern techniques and anaesthetics making it straightforward and relatively comfortable. For an even smoother experience, at The Bristol Dental Practice we also offer sedation if you’re feeling anxious.
When might you need it?
Teeth can be damaged in many ways, including disease, decay and injury, and you may not always know you need endodontic treatment. However, if you’re experiencing any of the following, it could be a sign that there’s an issue:
- Persistent toothache or sensitivity;
- Pain when chewing or biting;
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums;
- Discolouration of the tooth;
- Previous trauma to a tooth.
If this sounds familiar, we’d always advise seeing a dentist to avoid causing any further damage. They’ll be able to check things out, diagnose any problems, and get started on a solution as quickly as possible.
What to expect during the procedure
If you do need endodontic treatment, your dentist will talk you through everything that’s about to happen. For our team, this is a tried and tested process that puts patients at ease.
- Running expert diagnostics: we’ll begin by carrying out X-rays and scans to confirm our diagnosis and take a closer look at what’s going on inside your tooth.
- Making you comfortable: before getting started, we’ll numb the affected area. Modern anaesthetics remove any pain from the procedure, but we know that some patients still feel apprehensive. So, if you’re worried, we can calm your nerves with sedation.
- Cleaning and disinfecting: during treatment, a small hole is made in the tooth, enabling bacteria and infection to be removed and your root canals disinfected. This leaves a cleaner, healthier chamber.
- Filling and sealing: with this work complete, the hole is filled and re-sealed, protecting the pulp chamber from any further damage.
- Following up: after treatment, we will ask for a follow-up visit to check your progress and plan any restoration work you might need (such as crown placement).
With specialist care from an experienced endodontist, treatment is comfortable and very effective. Most patients are quickly able to return to their normal activities.
How endodontics helps save your natural teeth
Preserving your natural teeth is usually the best long-term option for oral health, function, and appearance. Your own teeth are made to fit and function within your mouth; they operate within a balanced ecosystem that includes your nerves, speech, and jawbone.
In comparison, when a tooth is extracted and/or replaced, we can begin to see complications such as bone loss, alignment and speech changes, and even cosmetic differences. Over time, saving a tooth can also save you money, as this is a more cost-effective solution. So, when we can, we’ll always suggest acting to preserve your tooth, rather than remove it.
Why choose endodontic care in Bristol?
We offer endodontic care in the heart of Bristol, led by our skilled, in-house specialists. To support our team, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art technologies such as microscope-assisted treatment and a CBCT scanner, which means we can offer the best clinical experience for our patients.
And, because we know how dental issues can impact daily life, we offer flexible and same-day appointments, so that you can be seen on your terms, as quickly as possible. No waiting lists, no long journeys, and no stress.
Frequently asked questions
Is endodontic treatment painful?
Many people feel nervous about endodontic treatment, but with modern techniques, we can make this a comfortable and low-impact procedure.
How long does a root canal take?
Your treatment time will depend on which tooth is affected and how complex it is; but typically, a root canal takes between 45 and 90 minutes. It may take another hour for the numbness from anaesthesia to subside.
Will I need a crown after treatment?
Not every root canal treatment is followed by a crown, but this is often the case. We’ll fill and seal the treatment hole following disinfection, but we’ll also advise on whether any further treatment (such as a crown) is needed, based on your tooth’s condition and structure.
What’s the recovery like?
Recovery from endodontic treatment can be faster than you might expect – many patients are able to return to normal activities quite quickly. This will depend on your individual circumstances, so do talk to your dentist about what this time-frame might look like for you.
Can a treated tooth last a lifetime?
With good dental care and a winning oral hygiene routine (including regular check-ups), a treated root canal can last a lifetime. Working with an experienced endodontist significantly increases this likelihood. At The Bristol Dental Practice, we have an excellent track record of success in these treatments, with our Root Canal Dentist, Dr Justin Underwood, holding an MClinDent and Diploma in Endodontics.
It’s important to take action
Endodontic treatment is a safe and effective way to relieve pain and preserve your smile’s best natural asset: your own teeth. If you’re experiencing issues, or something doesn’t feel quite right, visiting a dentist should be the first step you take. Early diagnosis makes all the difference to getting a great outcome, so contact us to book an initial consultation.