Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected tissue and bacteria affecting the pulp of a tooth. The aim of this treatment is to save the affected tooth where possible, rather than having to opt for extraction.
Once a root canal treatment has been carried out the tooth becomes more brittle and has a higher chance of breaking, therefore, it is recommended to have a crown or onlay placed after a successful root canal treatment to protect the tooth.
WHO IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT SUITABLE FOR?
Root canal treatment may be advised if you have deep decay or a break in the tooth that is allowing bacteria to enter the pulp chamber, but the tooth is otherwise restorable with a filling or crown.
Root canal treatment may also be necessary in cases of gum disease or trauma that have led to the pulp dying.
In some cases there may not be enough tooth structure left to adequately seal the root treatment, meaning that bacteria will be able to re-enter the tooth and cause ongoing infection. In these cases root canal treatment will not be recommended.
TREATMENT PROCESS
Depending on the tooth, complexity or severity of infection present root canal treatments often take more than one appointment to complete.
Following completion it may be advised to allow a settling period of up to 3 months to check the success of the root canal treatment before placing a crown or onlay on the tooth.
STEP 1
You’ll be given local anaesthetic to numb the area.
STEP 2
An access hole will be made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Any decay will also be removed at this point if present.
STEP 3
The infected pulp and bacteria will be gradually and gently removed using a series of small hand instruments.
STEP 4
The pulp chamber will be shaped, thoroughly disinfected, filled and sealed to try prevent bacteria from re-entering.
STEP 5
The access hole will be filled along with any other missing tooth structure as needed.
STEP 6
Your bite will be checked using marking papers to ensure that your filling is comfortable to bite on before you leave the practice.
HOW MUCH DOES ROOT CANAL TREATMENT COST?
All root canal treatment at Oakwood Dental Practice is done by Dr Gwyneth Morris who has a special interest in endodontics. An initial consultation costs £55 and treatment starts at £750.
AFTERCARE
While you are still numb:
- Avoid chewing on the numb side of your mouth as you may bite your tongue and lips without noticing
- Be careful with hot drinks, as it may be difficult to tell if the temperature is too hot
Normal brushing and flossing can resume immediately after your treatment. You may find that there is some tenderness or sensitivity following your treatment, any discomfort following the treatment should resolve itself after 2-3 days.
Info
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does having a ROOT CANAL TREATMENT hurt?
No, root canal treatment is not typically painful and you will be appropriately numbed using local anaesthetic for the procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off you may feel some discomfort or sensitivity for a day or two, but this should quickly resolve itself.
With modern techniques and advancements in dental technology any discomfort associated with root canal is generally due to the severity of the infection present that needs treating, rather than the procedure itself.
WHY IS A CROWN ADVISED AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Once the pulp has been removed root treated teeth become more brittle than healthy teeth, this means they have a higher chance of breaking or fracturing which can lead to re-infection of the root treatment, or in the worst case loss of the tooth. Cuspal coverage treatments such as crowns and onlays are advised to help support the weakened tooth structure, to give the tooth and root treatment the best chance at lasting as long as possible.