Lets Talk About Root Canal – What you need to know

A root canal treatment (also known as Endodontic treatment) is a common dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that has become severely infected or decayed. While many people associate root canals with pain, the truth is that the procedure itself should be entirely pain free when managed appropriately, and it can be a crucial step in preserving your natural tooth. Here’s a closer look at what root canal treatment involves, why it’s necessary, and the aftercare you need to follow to ensure a smooth recovery.

A root canal is the space inside your tooth where the soft tissue, known as the pulp, is located. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Sometimes, when a tooth becomes severely decayed or infected due to trauma, the pulp can become damaged, leading to pain and swelling. In these cases, a root canal is performed to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth to prevent further damage.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to us, however in some cases, it is best to complete the whole treatment in a single visit. Your dentist will advise you which is better for your particular tooth.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

The only other option would be to extract the tooth; however, this is and should be viewed as the last resort.

As dentists, we always prefer to save a tooth.

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as:

• Deep Decay – Cavities that reach the pulp can lead to infection.
• Trauma – A cracked or fractured tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria, causing infection.
• Repeated Dental Procedures – Multiple fillings or procedures on the same tooth can result in pulp damage.

If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to an abscess, severe pain, and the potential loss of the tooth. In some cases, the infection can spread to surrounding areas, leading to more serious health problems. A root canal is often the best option to save the tooth and alleviate pain.

Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatments should not be painful. Thanks to modern advances in dental technology and anaesthesia, the procedure is usually well-tolerated by most patients. The pain and discomfort that people associate with root canals are often due to the infection or damage to the tooth itself, rather than the actual procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed and the tooth is treated, most patients experience relief from the intense pain they had before the procedure. While the infection may make the tooth extremely sensitive, the vast majority of root canal treatments are entirely painless.

Before the treatment begins, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel anything sharp. If you’re feeling particularly anxious, your dentist can discuss sedation options to help you relax during the procedure.

Our aim is to always make dental treatment as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Endodontists are dentists who have had advanced training in root canal therapy techniques. While general dentists can and do perform root canals, consulting an endodontist may increase the likelihood of a more successful outcome particularly for more intricate cases.

Endodontists are able to use their specialist training and experience in treating complex cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy.

Dr Paul McPartland is our Endodontist and we can refer our patients in-house to him for more complex root canal treatments. Paul has been working in referral practice for many years and prides himself on making his patients feel relaxed, comfortable and fully informed throughout all stages of endodontic treatment.

If you have been referred to see an endodontist, please contact our team to discuss booking an appointment with Dr McPartland.

After the root canal procedure, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Here are some general tips for post-treatment care:

1. Pain Management: It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or tenderness for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this discomfort. If the pain persists or intensifies, contact your dentist.
2. Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth: After the procedure, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a crown. This will protect the tooth and prevent any further damage.
3. Follow Up Appointments: Once the root canal is completed, you will typically need to return to your dentist to have a permanent filling or crown placed. This is essential to strengthen and protect the tooth.
4. Good Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing regularly. Be gentle around the treated area to avoid irritation. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help prevent reinfection.
5. Eat Soft Foods: After the procedure, stick to soft foods for a few days to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth. Avoid chewing hard foods or using the treated tooth for biting during the initial recovery period.

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth, offering relief from pain and preserving your natural smile. While the idea of a root canal may seem daunting, the procedure itself is generally not painful, and modern techniques make it a routine and well-tolerated treatment.

If you have any questions regarding the treatment our team are here to help and you can also arrange a phone consultation with our Treatment Coordinator, Anne-Marie, who can discuss root canal treatment in more detail with you:

01 454 2022

info@portobellodental.com