If you have an infection in the soft core of your tooth, you may need to book a root canal surgery to remove the infected area and relieve your discomfort. An infection can result from an injury, a leaky filling, or decay, and if it is left untreated it can spread to other areas of your mouth.
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Before your dentist prescribes a root canal treatment, they perform a dental X-ray or 3D scan to determine if there is a bacterial infection inside your dental pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth).
Often, patients who require root canal treatment experience discomfort while eating hard, cold, or hot foods or liquids. They may also experience swollen or tender gums, pimples on the gums and the infected tooth may darken. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist to arrange an assessment.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Before your root canal treatment, your dentist gives you a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. They then drill into your tooth to remove the decay and use endodontic files to remove the infected dental pulp.
Your dentist cleans the root canals with an antiseptic and fills the empty root chambers with gutta percha before restoring the tooth with a temporary crown or filling.
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment for a permanent restoration. The crown restores your tooth’s integrity, appearance and function.
The recovery time from a root canal treatment is minimal. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any swelling and help ease discomfort. Avoid eating hard or chewy foods for a few days.
Why Have a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment is relatively non-invasive and saves a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.
Contact Us
If you have noticed temperature sensitivity or have had tooth discomfort for more than a week, call Abbey House Dental on 01785 818037 for an assessment.
