Saving and Restoring Your Natural Tooth
Root canal treatments can help save a tooth that has become infected or damaged inside.
When the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause pain, sensitivity, or swelling. Root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to help prevent further infection.
Why Might I Need Root Canal Treatment?
A Root canal treatment may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth has been affected by:
- Deep tooth decay
- A crack or fracture
- Previous dental treatment
- Trauma or injury
- Infection
Sometimes a tooth may require root canal treatment even when there are few or no symptoms.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your dentist will first examine the tooth and may take digital X-rays to assess the roots and surrounding area.
If root canal treatment is required:
1. Local Anaesthetic
The tooth and surrounding area can be numbed to help keep you comfortable during treatment.
2. Accessing the Tooth
Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected or inflamed pulp.
3. Cleaning the Root Canals
The canals inside the tooth are carefully cleaned and shaped to remove infected tissue and bacteria.
4. Filling and Sealing
Once the canals have been cleaned, they are filled and sealed to help prevent bacteria from entering again.
5. Restoring the Tooth
After root canal treatment, the tooth may require a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains.
Will Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
Modern techniques and local anaesthetic mean that root canal treatment should be comfortable for most patients. The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards, but our dental team will provide appropriate aftercare advice.
Why Save a Natural Tooth?
Root canal treatments can allow you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it removed. Saving the tooth can help maintain your natural bite and avoid the need to replace the tooth with another restoration.
Your Care at Zaranko Dental
We use modern diagnostic technology to assess your tooth and plan treatment carefully. We will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and discuss the most appropriate way to restore your tooth following treatment.
Concerned About a Tooth?
If you have persistent toothache, sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort, contact us to arrange an examination.
Early assessment can help us identify the cause of your symptoms and discuss the appropriate treatment options.