Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is the procedure which removes infection from the pulp tissue of the tooth that has become infected. Root canal treatment aids in the prevention of abscesses and further spreading of infection into the pulp. 

Root canal treatment can be performed by your dentist as a restorative treatment to aid in easing the pain caused from infection to the pulp. This hub is designed to give you more information regarding root canal treatment as discussed below.

There are many factors which can be the cause of infection to the pulp tissue and these factors are outlined below:

• Untreated dental decay - If there is sufficient damage to the teeth due to dental decay it may cause the bacteria to spread and reach the pulp which will inevitably damage the pulp tissues.

• Gum disease - Plaque that is left untreated may result in gingivitis and other forms of severe gum disease which could lead to infection in the pulp

• Trauma and Injury to the tooth - If a person has experienced an injury or trauma to the teeth it may have harmed the pulp.

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms then you may need to have root canal treatment as described below:

• Pain in the teeth and constant tooth aches

• Swollen or tender gums

• Discoloration on the tooth and gums

• Nausea

• Fever

• Finding swallowing foods difficult

• Discomfort when eating

It is always recommended to discuss any symptoms with your dentist who can further advise you on whether root canal treatment is necessary for your individual circumstances.

On your first appointment to the dentist the infected area of the pulp will be treated under mild anaesthetic. The dentist will then apply a rubber dam which helps to keep saliva away in case the bacteria leaks onto the infected area.

The pulp chamber is then analysed while the dentist drills a small hole in it. X-rays are then used to analyse the root canals and the dentist will then clean out -the root canal removing the infection from the bacteria. Further X-rays are taken to see whether the root canals have been successfully cleaned. The dentist will then fit a temporary filling and reseal the tooth.

On the second appointment the dentist will follow the same procedure from the first appointment by numbing the area and placing the rubber dam to stop infection. The root canals are then filled up and X-rays are taken to see if the root canal has been successfully filled. The dentist will then cover the tooth using a permanent crown or filling.

There are many benefits of having root canal treatment as outlined below:

• It removes the infection from the pulp and takes away the bacteria

• It prevents against dental decay and further dental problems

• Root canal can protect against having your teeth permanently extracted or losing a tooth

• Root canal may ease the pain associated with dental decay

Many people prefer to have root canal treatment in comparison to having a tooth extracted.

There are many factors which determine the overall cost of the treatment for root canal as described below:

• The Severity of the infection on the teeth may affect the overall costs as more work may need to be done prior to the treatment

• The Dental Practice- Many dental practices have their own set fees for different dental treatments

• The Dentist- A more experienced dentist in restorative treatments may charge more money

• The After care costs- There may be additional after care costs involved which will affect the overall charges.

Root canal treatment varies in price according to your individual dental requirements and circumstances and how much work may need to be done prior to the treatment.

There are many ways that you can find a root canal dentist as described below:

1. You can check out the www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk which will have extensive information on the procedure of root canal and where to find a dentist

2. The internet has a range of information from contact numbers and address of dental practices and enlists various different dental practice websites for more information.

3. Your local dentist may be the best person to advise you about root canal treatment.