Root Canal Treatment

Having an infected tooth is never easy.

However, when caught early enough infected teeth can be salvaged with root canal treatment, and it’s always our intention to avoid a tooth extraction wherever possible. Here at Earley Dental Practice our dentists are highly experienced and skilled at performing this intricate procedure, so you can be sure you’re in the very best of hands.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure carried out when the nerve of a tooth (the living connective tissues at the heart of a tooth) becomes infected. Whilst there can be warning signs such as a strange taste in the mouth, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and a discoloured appearance, an infected tooth can often result in symptoms that you can’t necessarily pick up on at home.

Making sure you attend all routine dentist appointments will put you in good stead for avoiding the possibility of needing root canal treatment. If you experience any symptoms like toothache, tooth sensitivity, a funny taste in your mouth, or something simply doesn’t feel quite right, get in touch with us so we can take a look – it’s always better to make sure, and symptoms can sometimes quickly escalate to the point where you’re in quite a bit of pain.

When might I need root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment may be considered if you:

• Have sustained a traumatic injury to the tooth.
• Have a crack in your tooth caused by long-term and excessive tooth grinding.
• Have untreated tooth decay which has made its way to the pulp of your tooth, cutting off nerve and blood supply.

What can I expect during the treatment process?

A root canal is usually performed over at least 2 appointments and involves the following steps:

• Examination of the tooth and extent of the decay present. We’ll also take X-rays to see the extent of the infection, and if it’s spread to neighbouring teeth.
• The tooth and surrounding area are numbed to prevent you from experiencing discomfort throughout.
• A rubber dam is placed, to keep it clean and to ensure the best level of comfort for the patient.
• The decay (or old filling) is removed and the root canals are disinfected and shaped.
• As root canal treated teeth tend to be weak, they’ll need extra support in the future. This is achieved by placing a crown or onlay about 1-2 weeks after your initial appointment, which will help to protect the tooth. These are custom made for you in the dental lab.

What makes root canal treatment great?

• Treatment relieves the pain a dental infection can cause, which can sometimes be quite intense, and even stop you from getting on with your day-to-day life.
• Stops the need for an extraction.
• Restores aesthetic to the affected tooth, with a crown or onlay (infected teeth can often appear grey and unsightly).

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