What is involved in root canal treatment?

What is involved in root canal treatment?

What to expect after your root canal treatment

If you are in a lot of pain with a tender and swollen tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to remove the infection.

Here at Smil, we understand that you may feel nervous before your root canal treatment. We strive to put our patients at ease before every procedure at our private practice. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have and keep you informed during the entire treatment process.

We’ve put together this guide on what to expect before, during and after your root canal treatment and what is involved.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment involves the removal of infection at the very root of a tooth. The area is then sealed to protect the tooth from further decay. This procedure is classed as an endodontic treatment. It is usually required when an infection is found deep within your tooth, where it begins to impact the nerve and blood supply. 

Without a root canal treatment, the infection will grow and progressively get worse. It can become very painful and swollen, leading to an abscess or putting you at risk of tooth loss.

What is involved in root canal treatment?

Although treatment can usually take place in just one appointment, it can take more depending on the extent of the infection or damage to the tooth.

You may be nervous before your root canal treatment but it is a painless procedure. Our skilled dentists will start by numbing the area with a local anaesthetic to stop you from experiencing any discomfort. We will then place a rubber dental dam to keep the tooth dry during the procedure. Your dentist will then remove the pulp and gently disinfect the tooth.

After this, a temporary dental filling will be placed to seal the tooth and prevent reinfection.

To learn more about what happens during a root canal treatment, please click here.

When might I need root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is required when the pulp inside a tooth becomes damaged as a result of an infection. It may also have become severely damaged or decayed after several treatments.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal treatment:

• Increased tooth sensitivity or pain
• A loose tooth
• Swollen gums or jaw
• Noticeable tooth discolouration
• A chipped or cracked tooth

If something doesn’t feel right, the best thing to do is book a check-up at our private practice in Chatham. Our clinicians will determine whether a root canal treatment is necessary. They will be able to complete a thorough assessment of your oral health and get to the cause of your symptoms.

What to expect after root canal treatment

After a root canal treatment, it is normal to experience some pain and discomfort. This should subside a few days after treatment. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home by brushing and flossing twice a day as usual. This will help to keep the area clean and avoid infection.

Be sure to revisit our practice if you continue to experience pain, discomfort or swelling. After your root canal treatment, you should expect to attend our practice for routine dental checkups twice a year to keep on top of your oral health.

In some cases after a root canal treatment, a dental crown will need to be placed. This is usually a preventative measure to ensure the restored function of a tooth. 

Can I avoid root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment can be avoided by maintaining good oral hygiene. If you continue visiting our private dentist in Chatham for regular check-ups, our experienced team will be able to spot any signs of infection and treat it before there is any need for a root canal procedure.

Visit our private dental boutique in Chatham

If you are experiencing any discomfort, please book a consultation at our practice in Chatham.

Our dentists will take the time to thoroughly assess your oral health and address any dental concerns appropriately with a tailored treatment plan. Our goal is to always safely relieve you of any pain and then come up with the best treatment for you and your oral health.

To book a consultation or learn more about root canal treatment, please get in touch today by calling 01634 756 536. Our team will be more than happy to answer your questions about what’s involved in root canal treatment and what to expect from the procedure. We look forward to hearing from you.