Root Canal Treatment Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to treat infection in the soft core of a tooth, known as the dental pulp. The infected pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned with antiseptic, and the tooth is filled and sealed. This saves the tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Common signs that you may need root canal treatment include pain or discomfort when eating hot, cold, or hard foods, swollen or tender gums, pimples on the gums near the affected tooth, or a tooth that has darkened in colour. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Abbey House Dental to arrange an assessment.

Root canal treatment at Abbey House Dental is carried out under local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. The procedure is designed to relieve the pain caused by the infection, and most patients find it no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Any mild discomfort after treatment can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Your dentist will administer local anaesthetic, then carefully drill into the tooth to access the infected pulp. The infected tissue is removed using specialised endodontic files, and the root canals are cleaned with antiseptic. The empty chambers are filled with gutta-percha, and the tooth is restored with a temporary crown or filling.

Recovery from root canal treatment is usually minimal. You should avoid eating hard or chewy foods for a few days and can use over-the-counter pain relief to manage any mild swelling or discomfort. You will need a follow-up appointment for a permanent restoration, typically a dental crown, to protect the treated tooth.

Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, which helps maintain your bite, jaw alignment, and the position of surrounding teeth. Extraction leaves a gap that may need to be filled with a bridge, denture, or implant. Root canal treatment is a relatively noninvasive procedure that preserves your natural smile.