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What Is Involved in Root Canal Treatment?
This article reassures patients that root canal treatment is a routine, pain-free procedure designed to save infected teeth. It begins by addressing the negative reputation root canal treatment often has, clarifying that modern endodontic care is comfortable and highly effective. The article explains the basic anatomy of a tooth, describing the crown (the visible part of the tooth) and the root, which anchors the tooth into the jaw. Inside the root are one or more root canals containing dental pulp made up of blood vessels and connective tissue. Root canal treatment becomes necessary when tooth decay penetrates deeply enough to infect the pulp. This infection can cause severe pain, particularly when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. X-rays are typically used to confirm whether the pulp is infected. During the procedure, the dentist numbs the area with a local anaesthetic before creating a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. The bacteria and damaged tissue are carefully removed, and the tooth is then sealed with a filling. In some cases, a crown may be recommended later to fully restore strength and function. Following treatment, mild sensitivity may occur for a few days, but the original pain should be eliminated. Any discomfort can usually be managed with common over-the-counter pain relief. The article also addresses dental anxiety, acknowledging that fear is common and reassuring patients that the dental team is experienced in supporting nervous individuals. Patients are encouraged to communicate any concerns so appropriate reassurance and comfort measures can be provided. The article concludes by stressing the importance of not delaying treatment, as early intervention can prevent further pain, infection, and the potential loss of the tooth.
What Is Involved in Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatments probably have one of the most unfair reputations among all dental procedures. Often, the mere mention of the word ‘root canal’ can bring up ideas of painful and uncomfortable procedures.
Thankfully, the truth is quite far from this. Endodontics, the treatment to remedy infected root canals, is routine and can save your tooth from needing to be extracted. And, it’s not painful.
So, what can you expect from the root canal treatment? Here, we explain everything that you need to know ahead of having the procedure.
What Is a Root Canal?
Before we delve into the details of the treatment, it’s helpful to understand a bit about the anatomy of the tooth. Each tooth in your mouth has two parts:
- The crown—this is the bit that you see of your tooth above the gums.
- The root—this part of the tooth goes through the gums and anchors to the jaw.
Teeth can have up to four ‘root canals.’ Inside the root canal, there is the dental pulp. This consists of blood vessels and connective tissue.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
When decay penetrates deep inside a tooth, it can lead to the pulp becoming infected. If this occurs, you’ll experience pain and discomfort that can often be unbearable.
This pain or sensitivity may be the most prominent when you’re chewing or while your tooth is exposed to hot or cold drinks or food.
If we suspect that your pulp is infected, x-rays can be used to confirm this.
What Can I Expect From the Procedure?
To begin with, we’ll use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Then we’ll make a small hole in the enamel of the tooth so that we can get inside.
Once we’re inside the tooth, we can begin clearing out the bacteria that are causing the problems.
After we’re done, we’ll close your tooth up with a filling. In some cases, we may get you back in to fit a crown to fully restore the tooth.
What’s the Recovery Process?
After your root canal treatment, your tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days, however, any pain you previously experienced should now be gone. You can usually manage your sensitivity with over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
What If I’m Anxious?
Anxiety and phobias surrounding visiting the dentist or having procedures are very common. We’re used to dealing with nervous patients. While we try to make sure our practice is a calm environment, we know that you may need some reassurance.
Let us know if you’re worried about the procedure, and we’ll take the time to listen and provide some tried and tested techniques for easing anxiety.
Don’t Put Off Having Root Canal Treatment
If you’re experiencing a toothache that may be caused by a root canal infection, it’s best to have it treated sooner, rather than later.
Get in touch today to arrange a consultation today.
