Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment in Bournemouth
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics) will be required when the blood or nerve supply to the tooth is infected or inflamed, because of tooth decay or injury.
What symptoms may I experience?
If the pulp becomes, the infection may spread to the root canal system of the tooth. You may not feel pain in the early stages of the infection however, the infection may result in an abscess developing accompanied with facial swelling and pain. In some cases, the tooth may darken which may mean that the nerve is dying or has died. If a root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread, and the tooth may need to be extracted.
Treatment steps
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. Sometimes a course of antibiotics may be required before treatment can begin to control the infection.
Root Canal Treatment is a skilled and time- consuming procedure and may require two or more visits to your dentist.
Step 1 – The infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time.
Step 2 – The root canal is then cleaned and shaped, using specially designed files ready for the filling. Infected debris is removed using an anti-bacterial solution.
Step 3 – A temporary filling is then inserted, and the tooth is left to settle.
Step 4 – The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared. We can then restore your tooth with a filling or crown. This strengthens your tooth and prevents it from breaking.
X-rays are taken throughout the procedure to ensure treatment is effective.
FAQ’s about Root Canal Treatments
Do Root Canal Treatments hurt?
No, a local anaesthetic is always used, and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling. Once the nerve has been removed you will not feel any pain as the tooth is not live.
What if it happens again?
Root Canal Treatment is usually successful but if the infection re-occurs treatment can be repeated. It should be noted that there is always a risk that the treatment may not be successful. Further treatment by a specialist endodontist may be required to save the tooth or ultimately the tooth may need to be extracted. The success of the treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment, the number of roots and canals requiring treatment.
What if I decide not to have the treatment?
Once the pulp of the tooth has been destroyed, it will never heal so the only alternative will be to have the tooth removed. Although some people may prefer to opt to have an extraction, it is usually recommended to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
