Root canal Kent
When your root canal becomes infected, dentists need to clear the bacteria to save the natural tooth. Modern techniques and the skilled root canal dentists at Southview make this procedure much more comfortable.
Root Canals Have a Less-Than-Favourable Reputation
Until recently, root canal treatment was viewed by many people as the dental treatment to try and avoid at all costs. Patients would hope they would never need a root canal treatment. The reality is that modern root canal procedures provide an excellent way of saving a tooth which, in the past, would have been extracted.
Here’s some perspective if you’re worried about root canal treatment: this is a routine procedure, with millions of people receiving root canal treatment each year. Once the root canal treatment is complete, patients experience pain relief, and their teeth become healthier again.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed and infected through decay or injury. Tooth pulp is found inside the tooth, under the white enamel and hard dentin. Its job is to supply blood and nutrients to the tooth.
If infected tooth pulp tissues are not removed, the infection can spread. What was contained within one tooth, can move throughout the tooth’s root canal system and cause an abscess (which can be extremely painful). When infection spreads, it can lead to damage in the bone around the tooth as well as within it. Without treatment, the infection will only advance, and the tooth will likely have to be removed.
Symptoms Indicating You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Oftentimes, root canals are needed when a tooth is cracked, a cavity is too deep for a standard filling or you’re having issues with a previous filling. Here are some of the signs that you may require root canal treatment:
- Tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold
- Severe pain when chewing or biting
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Darkening of the gums
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our dental practice, so we can assess the issue.
Benefits to Saving a Natural Tooth with Root Canal Treatment
At the height of pain from an infected tooth, some patients may consider opting for an extraction simply to rid themselves of the discomfort. If you allow us to perform a root canal treatment, there are advantages to saving and restoring your tooth:
- You maintain your normal biting force
- Your smile will not have any gaps
- More efficient chewing
- Other teeth are protected from excess wear or strain
- Surrounding teeth are prevented from migrating toward an area of a missing tooth
We Make Root Canal Treatments More Comfortable for Patients
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp, deep cleaning the area and filling the root canals. To ensure we clear out all of the infected tissue, you may need to book two or three visits. Our objective during your appointments is to keep you comfortable, calm and confident that we will eliminate the pain from the infection and make your mouth healthier again.
First, we will make the tooth and its surrounding area numb, so you won’t feel any pain. The sensation feels about the same as getting a regular dental filling. Next, we’ll remove the infected tissue then carefully clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth. Finally, we seal it with a special filling material which helps avoid any potential problems in the future. Often the tooth is left weakened by the decay, so we may recommend fitting a crown to strengthen it.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
Following root canal treatment, avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth until it is permanently restored with either a filling or a dental crown. Excessive pressure at this stage may crack or fracture the natural tooth. Most treated teeth last as long as natural teeth following permanent restoration.
Practise good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing at all times, as teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are as prone to decay as natural teeth. It is also important to have your treated tooth reviewed regularly by your dentist.
Worried About the Health of Your Teeth?
The longer dental problems are left untreated, the more complex those problems become. If you are concerned about any facet of your oral health, including whether you require root canal treatment, please get in touch with the helpful team at our dental practice.
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