Removing the pain from infected teethRoot canal treatment, also known as endodontics, involves removing infected pulp from the innermost part of the tooth. Pulp can become infected due to decay, a deep filling or trauma to the tooth, causing pain, sensitivity and swelling. Tailored endodontic treatment prevents the infection from spreading and can help save a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted.
What does endodontic treatment involve?Root canal surgery usually requires several appointments, depending on which type of tooth is being treated. Between appointments, the tooth will be covered and temporarily restored.
Initially, an x-ray will be taken to check the root canals and make sure there are no signs of infection in the surrounding bone. A rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep it dry.
The infected pulp is removed under a local anaesthetic (if necessary) and root canals are flushed with an anti-bacterial solution. The canals are then shaped with tiny instruments and washed again to remove any debris.
The freshly cleaned root canals are then filled with a rubber compound to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering. The filled root canal is sealed with a permanent filling or may need a crown to help restore tooth shape and functionality.
Contact UsThe best way to look after your tooth following endodontic treatment is to keep up with a regular brushing and flossing routine. Root filled teeth are still prone to decay, so need to be cared for properly.
If looked after properly, with regular brushing and flossing, your root canal treated tooth should stay trouble-free and provide a long lasting repair. Even though the pulp has been removed, the tooth will stay intact because the canals have been sealed to prevent re-infection. Regular check-ups are also recommended so any problems can be detected early.
Although root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, it is often nowhere near as bad as you are expecting! The procedure should be no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling, and you will likely feel great relief once you are no longer in pain from the infection.
If it is properly cared for, your root treated tooth should function well for many years and cause no issues. In some cases, the treatment may need to be repeated, but this is rare.
The only alternative to endodontic treatment is to have the affected tooth removed, thus eliminating the pain and infection. We try to avoid this, as it is much better for you to keep your natural tooth. An extraction also incurs additional costs relating to filling the gap left in your smile. Occasionally, removing the tooth is inevitable, but we will talk to you about your options in full.
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