Root canal treatment

The aim of Root Canal Treatment (also known as Endodontics) is to save a tooth from extraction that has been damaged by decay, disease or injury. It is preferable to save a natural tooth because generally it will function better than an artificial tooth.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, it is possible that you may require root canal treatment. If the tooth is damaged or cracked, you have tooth decay, large fillings or have recently suffered trauma to the tooth, the chance of infection and decay increases.

Root canal treatment is required when there is an infection deep within the tooth. The blood or nerve supply may be infected due to injury or a cavity.

Often there will not be any pain or discomfort during the early stages of an infection. Symptoms can be mild, such as sensitivity too hot or cold or possibly discomfort when biting and putting pressure on the tooth.

If the tooth has changed colour this may be a sign of the nerve dying. A small bump on the gum, close to the painful tooth or a tender or swollen gum around the tooth are also common presenting signs.

If left untreated, infection can not only be very painful, but can lead to a tooth abscess or even tooth loss.

The purpose of any root canal treatment is to remove bacteria from inside the tooth and ensure that the root canals are then carefully disinfected. The procedure isn’t as invasive as it sounds; a small hole is made through the damaged tooth into the pulp chamber.

It is important to ensure prompt root canal treatment because, once root canals become infected, painful abscesses often form in the jawbone.

We will take a digital X-ray and carry out a number of tests to confirm the need for root canal treatment. This may include a CBCT scan to view very fine details inside teeth to provide the best diagnosis and treatment options.

We’re always happy to receive referrals for any of our dental services, we treat routine to very complex cases and we also help extremely nervous patients who require sedation in order to access dental treatment.