Root Canal Therapy: Restoring Smiles, Relieving Pain, Renewing Confidence

Root canal therapy, commonly known as a “root canal,” is a dental procedure designed to address infections or damage to the innermost layer of the tooth, called the pulp. The pulp houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it becomes infected due to decay, injury, or other factors, it can lead to significant pain, swelling, and potential abscesses if left untreated.

During a root canal procedure, which should only be performed by a dentist or an endodontist specialised in treating tooth interiors, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the tooth. The interior of the tooth is then meticulously cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. In cases where a significant portion of the tooth’s structure is removed during the procedure, a crown may be placed to strengthen it.

Root canal therapy is completed over one or more visits to the dentist’s office, depending on how severe the infection is or other factors. Advancements in dental techniques and anaesthesia have made the procedure relatively comfortable for most patients. After a successful root canal, the tooth can resume normal function, although ongoing care and monitoring may be necessary to ensure its health and longevity.

In the past, when a tooth started to get infected or its nerve began to fail, extraction was often the only solution. Now, with the introduction of root canal treatment, dental care has evolved significantly and there are other options. Root canal therapy addresses infections, removes compromised nerves, and alleviates associated pain preserving the affected tooth and its function.

Root canal treatment is commonly sought for various dental issues, including infections, abscesses, deep cavities, periodontal diseases, or tooth fractures. If you are having symptoms such as swelling, heightened sensitivity to temperature changes, or discomfort upon touching the affected tooth, you should book an appointment with your dentist straight away.

During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue, which consists of nerves and blood vessels, from within the tooth as delicately as possible. After thorough cleaning and sterilisation of the interior space, including the root canal or canals, specialised sealing material is used to prevent bacterial re-entry.

It’s important to note removing the pulp, which sustains the tooth’s vitality, may make that tooth more fragile over time. So prompt restoration is key, involving the placement of a post and a crown to reinforce the tooth’s structure. This is important for back teeth, as they are designed to do most of the chewing.

Despite its reputation, undergoing a root canal procedure is not all that uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can be completed in a single visit. Any discomfort associated with the treatment is often due to the underlying infection requiring the procedure. Should any recurring pain occur during or after the root canal, talk to your dentist so they can advise on proper management and help you with the best ways to recover..

Who Would Need To Consider Root Canal Treatment?

If you are considering root canal therapy or root canal treatment, it’s important to understand the procedure, what it treats best and whether this is the right option for you. We discuss in detail below.;

Infected or Abscessed Teeth:

• Root canal treatment is often recommended for those with infected or abscessed teeth, which happens when bacteria penetrates deep into the tooth, causing inflammation and infection of the pulp tissue.
• Symptoms of an infected or abscessed tooth include severe pain, swelling, sensitivity to temperature changes, and a foul taste or odour in the mouth.
• Root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal the tooth to prevent further infection and restore oral health.

Deep Cavities:

• Deep cavities that extend into the pulp chamber of the tooth can lead to pain, sensitivity, and increased risk of infection.
• If left untreated, they can progress to pulp inflammation or infection, requiring root canal treatment to remove the damaged pulp and restore the tooth’s function.
• Root canal therapy allows the dentist to clean and disinfect the tooth’s interior, fill the space with a biocompatible material, and seal the tooth to prevent recurrent decay or infection.

Trauma or Injury:

• Teeth that are injured or fractured due to trauma, like a sports injury or accident, may require root canal therapy if the pulp becomes damaged or exposed.
• Traumatic injuries can lead to pulp necrosis (death of the pulp tissue), causing pain, discoloration of the tooth, and increased susceptibility to infection.
• Root canal treatment is essential for removing the damaged or infected pulp, disinfecting the tooth’s interior, and restoring its structural integrity to prevent further complications.

Severe Toothache:

• Those experiencing persistent or severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, may require root canal therapy.
• Severe toothaches can indicate underlying pulp inflammation or infection, which requires quick intervention to ease the pain and preserve the tooth.
• Root canal treatment addresses the underlying cause of the toothache by removing the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, relieving pressure within the tooth, and restoring comfort and function.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that persists even after the stimulus is removed can indicate pulp inflammation or infection.
• People experiencing prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages may benefit from root canal therapy to address the underlying cause of the discomfort.
• Root canal treatment aims to remove the affected pulp, eliminate sources of pain and sensitivity, and restore the tooth’s ability to withstand temperature changes without discomfort.

Swelling or Tenderness:

• Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth can show the presence of an abscess or infection.
• Abscesses can develop as a result of untreated dental infections, leading to localised swelling, pain, and discomfort.
• Root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected pulp, drain the abscess, and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

By recognising the signs and symptoms that indicate the need for root canal treatment, you can seek timely dental care and preserve their natural teeth for years to come. Consulting with a qualified dentist is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning tailored to your needs.

What’s Involved In The Root Canal Procedure

It’s normal to be anxious before a root canal treatment. However, despite its reputation, modern root canal procedures are relatively comfortable, thanks to advancements in dental techniques and anaesthesia. Patients should not be nervous as it is a routine procedure performed to alleviate pain, save the natural tooth, and restore oral health. With proper care and professional guidance, patients can expect a successful outcome and relief from their dental symptoms. Here’s what’s involved;

• Local anaesthesia: Before starting the procedure, the dentist administers local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth, so the patient won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment.
• Access opening: Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the dentist creates an access opening in the crown of the tooth, often drilling a small hole to reach the pulp chamber and root canals within the tooth.
• Removal of infected or damaged pulp: Using specialised instruments such as files and reamers, they’ll then remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth. This includes both the pulp chamber and the root canals, which extend down into the roots of the tooth.
• Cleaning and shaping: After the infected pulp is removed, the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and shaped. The various instruments remove any remaining debris, bacteria, and infected tissue from the root canals. The shaping process ensures the root canals are smooth and free of any irregularities that could harbour bacteria.
• Disinfection: Once the root canals have been cleaned and shaped, they are irrigated with antimicrobial solutions to disinfect them thoroughly, helping eliminate any remaining bacteria and reducing the risk of reinfection.
• Sealing: After disinfection, they are sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing more problems. Commonly used material for this is a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, placed into the root canals and sealed in place with a dental adhesive.
• Restoration: Depending on the extent of damage, a temporary filling or permanent restoration can be placed to seal the access opening created at the beginning of the procedure. In some cases, the tooth may require a crown or other type of restoration to restore its strength and functionality. This step is typically performed in a separate appointment following the root canal treatment.
• Follow-up: After the root canal therapy is completed, the patient may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and ensure that the tooth is responding well to treatment. In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary if complications arise or if further restoration is needed.

Root canal treatment can be the perfect solution for people experiencing dental pain, infection, or trauma. With advancements in dental technology and techniques, undergoing a root canal procedure has become more comfortable and effective than ever before. By addressing the underlying issues within the tooth, root canal therapy not only alleviates pain but also preserves the natural tooth structure, promoting long-term oral health.

At Bexley Dental, we understand the importance of restoring smiles and ensuring our patients feel confident and vibrant. With over 30 years of trust from the Bexley community, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional root canal treatment and preventive care to keep your smile healthy for years to come. Whether you’re in need of root canal therapy or preventive services like regular check-ups and cleanings, we’re here to put a smile on your face and provide the personalised care you deserve. Choose Bexley Dental for compassionate, quality dental care that you can trust. Get in touch today!