Root Canal Procedure – All You Need To Know

What is it about the root canal treatment that often sends shudders down the spine and leaves patients feeling terrified?

We’d wager a bet that it’s because root canals have had such a bad press in the past.

First of all, we’d like to reassure everyone that root canal treatment is nowhere near as bad as it’s made out to be. Instead, it’s a quick, comfortable procedure which not only relieves your pain but also saves a natural tooth.

Just imagine if your damaged tooth had to be extracted instead. As well as the cost of extraction you’d also have to fork out for a replacement tooth, such as a dental implant. By undergoing root canal therapy, not only do you get to keep your tooth, but your wallet avoids a severe bashing too! That’s got to be a win-win situation, right?

What is a root canal?

It’s a treatment that’s designed to remove bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent infection from recurring and save the tooth in question.

All teeth contain a hard layer of dentin beneath the tooth enamel. Beneath this lies the living area of the tooth also known as the pulp chamber. This contains a system of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue which between them sustain the tooth during its development.

A fully developed tooth can still survive without the pulp because it receives nourishment from the tissues surrounding it.

A root canal procedure is similar to that of a normal tooth filling and depending on the condition of the tooth and your circumstances can be completed in 1 to 2 visits.

The root canal procedure – Step by Step 

Step 1- Cleaning the root canal 

First of all, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area near the tooth so that you feel more comfortable during treatment. Next a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure.

A small access hole is drilled into the surface of the tooth to enable the dentist to remove all of the diseased or dead tissue or pulp using very small root canal files.

Step 2 – Filling the root canal

Next, the hollow area is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and decontaminated using irrigation solutions and tiny files. Once the tooth is clean, the dentist will seal it. Depending on whether an infection is present, the dentist will either wait a week before sealing it or do it at this appointment. If the tooth isn’t sealed then a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole to keep it free from contaminants.

Step 3 – Filling and sealing

At the next appointment, the interior of the tooth (root canal) is filled with a rubber compound and sealed. The access hole is then filled.

Step 4 – Further restoration 

Because a tooth that needs a root canal often has excessive decay or a large filling, it can be weakened following the root canal process. For this reason, a dental crown may be placed on top of it to provide protection, prevent it from breaking, and help it function effectively.

What to expect following the root canal process 

Your mouth is likely to feel numb for two to four hours following the treatment but in most cases, a person can return to work right away. However, it’s best not to eat anything until the numbness has completely gone.

For a few days, your tooth may feel a little sensitive, especially if infection was present before. Any discomfort can usually be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.

Who may need a root canal process?

There are a few signs to look out for which could indicate that you need a root canal therapy. These include:

• Swollen or tender gums
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• Severe pain when biting or chewing
• Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold even after the sensation has been removed
• Darkening of the gums or deep decay
• Pimples on the gums

Benefits of the root canal treatment

There are many advantages to saving your natural tooth with a root canal treatment. These include:

• Natural appearance
• Normal biting force and sensation
• Efficient chewing
• Protects other teeth from excessive wear and tear

If you have an inkling that you may need a root canal treatment, then why not get in touch with No Gaps Dental. Our friendly dentists have a wealth of experience in root canals and practice gentle dentistry too.

Contact us on (02) 8007 6727 or book online with the No Gaps dental clinic of your choice.