Treatments
Root-Canal Therapy
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (RCT) involves removing the nerve of the tooth along with any infected tooth tissue. This helps to resolve pain and prevent progression of infection. Overall, RCT is designed to eliminate infection, resolve pain, and preserve a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
Saving Your Natural Tooth
Preserving your natural tooth helps maintain your bite, appearance and overall oral health. Even implants have a lifespan, and preserving your natural teeth helps maintain the jawbone for potential implant placement in future.
Steps to Your Root Canal Therapy
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Assessment
- We gently assess the affected tooth and take X-rays to make a diagnosis.
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Preparing the root canals
- Numbing the area to ensure any treatment is pain-free
- Isolating the tooth with a rubber sheet (dam) to prevent infection
- Removal of decayed or damaged tooth structure and dental pulp (nerve of the tooth)
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the root canals
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Fillings and Root Canals
- For simpler RCTs, this can be done in the same visit
- For more complex RCTs, a temporary filling material is placed initially, before a definitive material is placed in a separate visit
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Final restoration
- Often a crown for strength and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
No. Modern techniques mean it is usually no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
How long does root canal therapy take?
It may take one or two visits, each of 90 minutes, depending on the complexity.
What happens if I don’t have root canal treatment?
The infection around the root may worsen, potentially leading to pain, swelling, or even tooth loss. In rare and the most severe cases, untreated dental infections can lead to sepsis.
Will the tooth need further treatment afterwards?
Yes. Depending on the size and health of the tooth, it will either need a filling or a crown afterwards to seal in the root filling, and to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth.
Get in touch
Our friendly reception team is here to help with any questions or to arrange your appointment.
Call us on 01392 439268 to begin your journey with our family practice.
