A root canal is a procedure performed by dentists. This is to treat infection or inflammation of the pulp of your tooth. The centre of your teeth contain the pulp which contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. If this area is infected or severely inflamed then treatment will be needed. The pulp will be removed, cleaned and sealed.

Root canals are very comfortable nowadays! Local anaesthetic will be used and specialist equipment. The pulp will be removed to treat the infection, reduce pain and save your natural tooth. In some cases a permanent filling or crown may be needed.

A root canal may be recommended if your pulp has become inflamed, infected or damaged. The pulp chamber is found in the centre of your tooth. This can be found in narrow canals in your tooth root. The outer layers of your tooth protect the pulp however if there is deep decay or cracking then bacteria can enter the pulp. Root canals are often needed for decay that has not been treated. Bacteria can enter through the enamel and dentine causing inflamed and infected pulp. Trauma can also cause damage to your pulp. Previous treatments can cause your pulp to become inflamed. Large fillings can cause your pulp to become inflamed. Depending on the individual, you may experience constant or throbbing pain. Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold food for prolonged periods of time, pain on biting and swollen gums. Sometimes the pulp can become necrotic with minimal pain.

These symptoms will generally be investigated by your dentist. They will carry out an examination, sensitivity tests and x-rays to see if the pulp has become damaged and if treatment can be carried out to save your tooth. Not all tooth pain will require a root canal. Abscesses can occur. If you are experiencing facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing then you should seek urgent attention from a medical/dental professional.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Treatment?

During a root canal your damaged pulp will be removed. The inside of your tooth will be cleaned and sealed to prevent re-infection. This will depend on the anatomy of your tooth, infection and whether further treatment is needed.Your dentist will firstly examine your teeth and x-rays. A dental dam may be placed.A small hole will be made in your tooth. Your dentist will remove the inflamed/infected pulp using specialist equipment. The inside of your tooth will be fully cleaned and shaped.

The canals will be filled with a biocompatible material such as gutta percha. They will be sealed using an appropriate sealer. In some cases your dentist will complete the whole treatment in one visit. However sometimes they may place a temporary filling and complete further treatment at a later date.Your tooth will then be restored. Depending on the situation a permanent filling may be suitable. Often molars/premolars will need special consideration as they receive a lot of force from chewing.Most root canals can be completed in 1-2 visits. However more complex cases may require more appointments. Your dentist will be able to tell you what will be done depending on the condition of your tooth.

  • Dental Examination: Your dentist examines your tooth and takes X-rays to assess the damage and infection.
  • Local Anaesthesia: The affected area is numbed to minimize pain and discomfort during treatment.
  • Dental Dam Placement: A dental dam may be used to keep the tooth clean and dry.
  • Accessing the Tooth: Your dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to reach the damaged pulp.
  • Removing Infected Pulp: Inflamed or infected pulp is removed using specialized dental instruments.
  • Cleaning and Shaping: The inside of the tooth and root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped.
  • Filling the Canals: The canals are filled with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha, and sealed to help prevent reinfection.
  • Temporary or Permanent Filling: Treatment may be completed in one visit, or a temporary filling may be placed before a later appointment.
  • Restoring the Tooth: A permanent filling or dental crown is used to restore and protect the treated tooth, depending on its condition.
  • Treatment Duration: Most root canal treatments require one or two visits, although complex cases may need additional appointments.

 

Does a Root Canal Hurt During Treatment?

Many people worry about pain however root canals are very comfortable now. We use modern anaesthetic techniques. The aim of a root canal is to remove the cause of your pain.Local anaesthetic will be administered to numb your tooth. You will be awake during the procedure however you should not feel much pain. If you do feel any pain then your dentist can stop and investigate if more anaesthetic is needed.

You may feel some mild discomfort after the procedure. This is often due to your tooth being inflamed/infected. The tissues around your root can be sensitive for a few days. You may experience mild pain on biting.Take painkillers as advised by your dentist. Depending on your situation you may be advised to take an appropriate over the counter painkiller. Be aware of any allergies, medical conditions, medications and age related factors.If you are experiencing severe pain, increased swelling, fever or your symptoms are not improving then please contact your dentist. They can investigate the cause and provide further treatment if needed.Taking painkillers does not mean you do not need to restore your tooth. It is important to complete your filling/crown. Root canals can help keep your natural tooth functioning if looked after properly.

  • Modern Treatment: Root canal procedures are generally comfortable with modern anaesthetic techniques.
  • Local Anaesthesia: Your dentist numbs the tooth to minimize pain during treatment.
  • Pain During Treatment: You should feel little or no pain. Inform your dentist if you experience discomfort.
  • Mild Post-Treatment Pain: Some discomfort or sensitivity when biting may occur for a few days.
  • Pain Relief: Take painkillers only as advised by your dentist, considering allergies, medical conditions, and other medications.
  • Warning Signs: Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, increased swelling, fever, or symptoms that do not improve.
  • Complete Tooth Restoration: Follow your dentist’s advice about getting a permanent filling or crown to protect the treated tooth.
  • Long-Term Care: Proper dental care and regular check-ups help keep your natural tooth functional.

 

 

 

How to Care for Your Teeth After a Root Canal

Generally root canals are straightforward to recover from. Depending on the severity of the infection and complexity of the treatment you may experience some mild discomfort. This should improve. Avoid chewing whilst the local anaesthetic is wearing off to prevent biting your cheek/lips/tongue. If you have a temporary filling avoid eating hard/sticky foods on that side of your mouth. Once the pain has subsided you can eat your usual foods. Try to avoid applying too much pressure to your tooth until it has been permanently restored. Teeth that have undergone root canals can be more likely to fracture if there has been a lot of loss. Brush your teeth gently using fluoride toothpaste and floss as normal (unless advised otherwise). This will help protect your gums and surrounding teeth.

Attend any follow up appointments. Your dentist may want to check your restoration, symptoms and if further monitoring is needed. If you have been advised to have a permanent crown then delaying this can increase the risk of damaging your fragile tooth.If you are experiencing increased pain, swelling, uneven bite or your temporary filling falls out then please contact your dentist. They can assess the problem.By brushing regularly, flossing, attending regular check-ups and treating new cavities as soon as possible your restored tooth will stay healthy long term.

  • Eat Soft Foods: Choose soft foods for comfort and avoid hard or sticky foods if you have a temporary filling.
  • Protect Your Tooth: Avoid putting excessive pressure on the treated tooth until it is permanently restored.
  • Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
  • Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Visit your dentist to check healing, your restoration, and whether further monitoring is needed.
  • Get a Permanent Crown: If recommended, avoid delaying your crown, as the treated tooth may be more vulnerable to fractures.
  • Watch for Warning Signs: Contact your dentist if you experience increased pain, swelling, an uneven bite, or a loose or lost temporary filling.
  • Maintain Long-Term Dental Care: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, attend dental check-ups, and treat new cavities promptly.

Benefits, Risks and Long Term Tooth Health:

A benefit of a root canal is saving your natural tooth. This will allow you to chew normally and keep your current bite. Saving your natural teeth can help prevent your surrounding teeth from moving. Missing teeth can be replaced with implants or bridges however these are alternative treatments. The best treatment for you will depend on the condition of your tooth, oral health and situation. Like any dental treatment there are limitations to root canals. Some teeth can be difficult to treat as the canals can be complex, narrow, cracked or there can be a lot of damage. Sometimes the infection will not settle and can come back despite appropriate care. Further treatment may be needed such as re-treatment or endodontic surgery.

The long term outcome will depend on how your tooth was originally, how well the root canal was done and how strong your restoration is. A good restoration will help prevent bacteria entering your tooth.To help keep your tooth healthy long term brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, avoid eating sugary foods/drinks often and attend regular check-ups. Wearing a mouthguard whilst playing appropriate sports will help reduce the risk of dental injuries.

Although the pulp inside the treated tooth no longer needs to function (it is fully developed) it is important to keep the surrounding tissues healthy. Regular monitoring will help your dentist identify any changes and advise further treatment if needed.Overall root canals are a tried and tested treatment for infected pulp. A professional examination will be needed to decide if this is the right treatment for your tooth.

 

  • Maintains Your Bite: Keeping your natural tooth helps prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
  • Possible Treatment Limitations: Narrow or complex canals, cracks, and extensive tooth damage can make treatment difficult.
  • Risk of Recurring Infection: Infection may sometimes return, requiring retreatment or endodontic surgery.
  • Importance of Restoration: A strong, permanent filling or crown helps protect the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.
  • Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Limit Sugary Foods: Reduce frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks to lower the risk of tooth decay.
  • Attend Regular Check-Ups: Dental visits help monitor healing and identify potential problems early.
  • Prevent Dental Injuries: Wear an appropriate mouthguard during sports to protect your teeth.
  • Consult Your Dentist: A professional examination helps determine whether root canal treatment is suitable for your tooth.