Root Canal Treatment
Purpose, Procedure & Cost
We're based in Pinner London
A root canal might sound daunting, especially if you live in London and don’t know who to turn to sort out the problem. But we’re here to tell you there’s nothing to worry about.
Root canal treatment is not painful and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed. See tooth extraction.
A root canal is a protective dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp (the soft centre) of the tooth. We are aware that NHS waiting lists are very long for root canal treatment and offer dental finance packages if this would help spread the cost of a root canal.
For anxious patients, we offer relaxation therapies that provide comfort and calm the mind – it is our goal to create a serene environment for you to progress with your general treatments.
What causes damage to the pulp?
Pulpitis can occur in one or more teeth and is typically caused by bacteria that invade the tooth’s pulp, causing it to swell.
In teeth that are regarded as healthy, the enamel and dentist layers work to protect the pulp from infection.
However, when these protective layers become compromised, pulpitis occurs. As the pulp remains trapped inside the tooth’s walls, the swelling can cause pressure and pain.
The main causes of damage to enamel and dentin layers include:
- Cavities or tooth decay
- Severe tooth erosion
- Injury with an impact to the tooth
- Fractured, cracked or chipped teeth exposing the pulp
- Repetitive trauma caused by dental conditions like bruxism
Do you need a root canal? Your symptoms
One of the significant tell-tale symptoms of needing a root canal is persistent tooth pain.
The pain felt with pulpitis will likely bother you, but it can go away from time to time in moderate cases but will always reappear.
Tooth pain might have other causes besides root canals. Other possibilities might include other conditions like gum disease or something simpler like a cavity.
No matter the cause, it’s better to get in touch with a general dentist like Aqua Dental to help relieve your tooth pain.
How to tell if you need a root canal
Symptoms of the damaged pulp include:
- Persistent pain in your tooth
- A hot sensation in your gums
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food
- Tooth sensitivity to very sweet foods
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- A hole, chip or crack in your tooth
- Toothache when chewing or putting pressure on the teeth
- Tenderness and swelling of the gum area
- Additional face or neck swelling
How we diagnose the problem at our Harrow clinic
First, we will examine your teeth and carry out a series of X-rays to determine the extent of inflammation and tooth decay.
We might also perform a sensitivity test to highlight if you experience any pain or discomfort when the tooth comes into contact with heat, cold or sweet stimuli.
The extent of your reaction will signify to our dentist if all or one area of the pulp has been affected.
Using advanced equipment, we can apply an electric pulp tester to analyse how much of the tooth’s pulp is damaged and what can be done to save your tooth.
The root canal process
Treatment methods can depend on whether your pulpitis is irreversible or reversible.
For example, where it is reversible, we can treat the cause of inflammation, which will relieve your symptoms.
However, in the case of irreversible pulpitis, we can attempt to save your tooth with the first stage of a root canal; a pulpectomy.
During this stage, the pulp is removed, and the rest of the tooth remains intact. Once we remove the pulp, we clean the hollow area inside of the tooth, disinfect, fill and seal it.
In some may cases, the entire tooth may need to be extracted. However, tooth removal will only be recommended if your tooth has died and cannot be rescued.
When a root canal is necessary
When the soft inner part of a tooth becomes inflamed, injured or infected, a root canal is often the prescribed solution.
There are two forms of pulpitis; reversible and irreversible. We can reverse the condition in instances where the pulpitis is mild and the tooth pulp is healthy enough to save.
However, in irreversible cases, when symptoms are painful and severe, we will be unable to save the pulp and will have to remove it using a root canal.
To preserve the structure of the tooth and the integrity of your oral health, the removal of injured or infected pulp will be the best way to maintain the tooth, even if the crown looks intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to save an infected or decayed tooth. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then sealing it to prevent further infection.
Why is root canal therapy necessary?
Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or damaged. This can happen due to untreated cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss.
How can I tell if I need a root canal?
Some common signs that you may need a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling and tenderness around the tooth, darkening of the tooth, and a recurring pimple on the gums. However, only a dentist can determine if a root canal is necessary after conducting a thorough examination.
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not as painful as people think. With modern advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will also prescribe medication to alleviate any post-operative pain or discomfort.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case. On average, it takes one to two appointments to complete a root canal. The first appointment typically involves cleaning out the infected pulp and applying medication. The second appointment focuses on sealing the root canal and placing a dental crown or filling on the tooth.
Can a root canal fail?
While root canal therapy is a highly successful procedure, there is a slight chance of failure. It can occur if the tooth was not properly cleaned and disinfected, the canals were not thoroughly sealed, or if a new infection develops. In such cases, retreatment or an apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root, may be necessary.
How long does a root canal last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. However, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, to ensure the longevity of the restored tooth.
Are there any alternatives to root canal therapy?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction. However, extracting a tooth should be considered a last resort, as it can lead to other problems such as shifting of teeth, difficulty chewing, and loss of bone in the jaw. It is generally recommended to save the natural tooth whenever possible.
Can I drive home after a root canal?
Generally, you should be able to drive home after a root canal procedure. However, if you received sedation or anesthesia during the treatment, you may feel lightheaded or drowsy afterwards. In such cases, it is best to have someone accompany you or arrange for transportation.
Can I eat normally after a root canal?
After a root canal, it is best to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent filling or dental crown is placed. This is to prevent any damage to the tooth. However, you can typically resume your regular diet once the tooth is fully restored.
Is root canal therapy safe?
Yes, root canal therapy is a safe and common dental procedure. Dentists are trained and experienced in performing root canals, ensuring patient safety and comfort. By addressing the underlying infection and preserving the natural tooth, root canal therapy can help restore oral health and function.
Is root canal therapy only for adults?
No, root canal therapy can be performed on children as well. Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a crucial role in the development of permanent teeth and should be preserved whenever possible. Your dentist will determine if root canal therapy is suitable for your child based on their specific case.
In conclusion, root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment for saving infected or damaged teeth. With the use of modern dental techniques, the procedure has become relatively painless. If you experience tooth pain or other symptoms, it is essential to consult with a dentist, who can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment option for your specific dental needs.