What is root canal treatment, and when is it needed?
Root canal treatment helps clear internal tooth infections and resolves discomfort, gum swelling, and the loosening of teeth.
This delicate and intricate procedure is vital in restoring your mouth back to full health. A root canal infection can occur when the root’s blood supply or nerve of a tooth is compromised by bacteria. The affected tooth requires treatment to prevent the infection from spreading or from developing into an abscess or large facial swelling. The treatment offered by our dentists at The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic is thorough, precise, and aims to get you smiling without pain as quickly as possible.
We use The Wand, the latest in pain-free anaesthetic technology, ideal for nervous patients or for those seeking a more comfortable treatment experience.
Benefits of getting root canal treatment in Wigston and Leicester
Root canal therapy (or endodontics) involves removing infected pulp from the innermost part of the tooth. This prevents the infection from spreading and can help save a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted.
Below are some of the top reasons to book your root canal treatment appointment.
- Can save an infected tooth from extraction
- Preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible
- Removes a source of infection that could spread to other areas
- Seals the tooth to prevent infection from recurring
- Prevents further problems that could be caused by losing a tooth
- Can relieve a toothache
- Less expensive than replacing a lost tooth
- Offers a strong and natural-looking crown once the root canal treatment is complete
- We provide a pain-free experience using The Wand or dental sedation
What to expect at your root canal appointment
Root canal therapy usually requires several appointments; the number will depend on which type of tooth is being treated. Between appointments, the tooth will be covered and temporarily restored.
- An X-ray will be taken to check the root canals and see if there are any other 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 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.
Although root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, the procedure should be no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling.
Aftercare
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 infection from recurring.
The 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 they need to be cared for properly.
Book your root canal therapy appointment today
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Although root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, it is often nowhere near as bad as you expect! 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.
How long will my root-treated tooth last?
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.
Are there any alternatives to endodontic treatment?
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.
Can a root canal save a severely damaged tooth?
Yes, root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is specifically designed to save a tooth from extraction when the internal structure is severely damaged or infected. The procedure is necessary when deep tooth decay, trauma, or deep fillings cause the soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels inside the tooth (the pulp) to become infected. By removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning the root canals with an anti-bacterial solution, and sealing them with a rubber compound and a permanent filling or crown, the treatment removes the source of the infection and allows the tooth structure to be preserved for a long-lasting repair.
What are the risks of delaying a root canal?
Delaying root canal treatment allows the internal infection to persist, leading to increasingly severe and uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms can include persistent pain, high sensitivity to temperature, gum tenderness, swelling, and a metallic taste or tooth discolouration. Most critically, because the treatment’s purpose is to “save a tooth from extraction,” delaying the necessary procedure significantly increases the risk that the infection will progress too far. This may lead to the eventual deterioration of the tooth and supporting bone, ultimately resulting in the loss of the tooth, necessitating complete removal.
Will I need a crown after my root canal treatment?
The decision on whether you need a crown is based on the condition of the tooth after the root canal treatment is complete. The procedure concludes with the root canal being sealed and the tooth being permanently restored, which may be done with either a permanent filling or a crown. A crown is often recommended for teeth that have lost a significant amount of their structure due to decay or damage. Its purpose is to protect the tooth from further stress or fracture, restore its original shape, and ensure maximum strength and functionality for long-term use.
Get in touch
Treatments
We love our patients
The best dental clinic I have ever stepped foot in by a long way. The whole team there are brilliant and I couldn’t recommend them enough to anybod...
Rhys Roberts
We love our patients
I’m not a fan of writing reviews, I’ll be honest. But when a service is provided which is well above average then I think one is deserved. From s...
Richie Green
We love our patients
Wow, after a very comprehensive consultation with Duncan, I arrived at the practise 14.30 had 9 Implants fitted, left just 3 1/2 hrs later, took 2 pa...
Chris Clarke
We love our patients
The staff at reception are lovely and very professional .The consultant I met, Dr. Anoop Gill answered all my questions and took away any concerns I...
Reginald Pesci
