What To Expect From Your Root Canal Treatment

12/12/2024

What To Expect From Your Root Canal Treatment

If you have a severe toothache, there’s a strong chance that you will need a root canal treatment. Nobody ever really wants to find out they need a dental procedure, so it’s natural if you feel apprehensive or even anxious about what’s in store. 

Unfortunately, root canal treatments carry a certain unfounded reputation, and this can feed into the worries you may have when coming to see us about the issue. The good news is that a root canal treatment isn’t as bad as you’ve probably heard. 

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of infection, you should see us promptly. In the earlier stages, it’s easy to deal with, and the chances of further complications are lower. Leave it too late, and the infection may affect more than your tooth. 

To help you understand the root canal treatment process, we’ve compiled this guide with some of the most commonly asked questions about the procedure. 

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatments are routine dental procedures to remove infections from inside teeth. Clinically known as an endodontic procedure, they are often performed by a dentist with a special interest in endodontics. 

We use modern techniques and the latest technological innovations to improve the efficiency of the treatment while maximising your comfort. 

What Causes Dental Infections?

A root canal treatment takes its name from a part of the tooth. Inside every tooth, there is an area called the “pulp chamber” that is filled with a collection of living tissues, nerve endings, and other cells. Collectively known as the pulp, these living tissues extend down into the root canals. Each tooth can have up to four root canals that extend down below the gumline. 

Infections occur when bacteria enter the inner part of the tooth through a cavity or crack in the surface. As the bacteria penetrate deeper into the tooth, the tissue becomes infected and inflamed. 

How Do I Know Whether I Need a Root Canal Treatment?

The definitive way to find out whether you need a root canal treatment is to make an appointment when you experience any of the potential symptoms. We’ll use X-rays to look inside the affected tooth. 

The symptoms you may experience include: 

• Severe toothache, shooting pain, and throbbing in your tooth: This happens when the infected cells become inflamed and press against the nerve endings. 
• Pain, redness, and swelling in the gums and cheeks: Discomfort from infections can spread to the surrounding area. 
• Bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth: Infections can leave a sour, salty, or metallic taste in your mouth. 
• Black or grey tooth: Your tooth may become darker when it’s infected. 
• Pus around the bottom of your tooth: Infections can lead to abscesses. This is a sign you need more urgent treatment. 

It’s best to contact us as soon as you start to experience symptoms, and we’ll see you at the earliest opportunity. Waiting to see if the infection goes away will reduce the chances of saving the tooth and increase the risk of it spreading to other areas of your mouth and body. 

Do Root Canal Treatments Hurt?

Root canal treatments have a reputation for being painful. The truth is that the procedure itself isn’t actually as bad as people make it out to be. 

The pain people talk about often comes from the infection. Typically, this pain can become so bad, you’ll struggle to sleep, eat, or live your normal life. The procedure eliminates this pain quickly. 

Before your procedure, we’ll give you a local anaesthetic. This will ensure minimal discomfort throughout the whole process. 

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

During the procedure, we’ll remove the bacteria and infected matter from inside your tooth. Once we’ve sanitised the tooth, we’ll fill it with a natural latex-like material and close it with a filling.

How Can I Prevent Further Problems?

If you’ve experienced an infection, the last thing you want is a recurrence. Although we’ll repair your tooth with a filling, adding a porcelain crown later will help strengthen it and improve its appearance. A crown will make it harder for bacteria to enter the tooth again. 

Brushing up on your basic oral hygiene, reducing your sugar intake, and visiting us for checkups are all helpful in the long-term fight against tooth decay and dental infections. 

Root Canal Treatment In Sheffield

A root canal treatment fights infection in your teeth. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, it’s important to come to see us at the earliest opportunity. Our experienced and compassionate team will work to ensure the best outcome with the least discomfort. 

Contact us today to book your root canal consultation.

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