Keeping a Tooth That Would Otherwise Need Removing
When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes infected, the usual choices are root canal treatment or removing the tooth. Root canal treatment clears the infection from inside the tooth and keeps the tooth itself in place. It is carried out under local anaesthetic, and most people find it comparable to having a filling.
The infected pulp is removed, the canals inside the root are cleaned and shaped, and the space is sealed so bacteria cannot re-enter. The toothache that brought you in usually settles within a few days. The tooth is more brittle afterwards, so a back tooth normally needs a crown to stop it fracturing — we will tell you before we start whether yours is likely to.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
- Severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Save Your Natural Tooth
Preserve your natural tooth structure and avoid extraction
Pain Relief
Eliminate infection and relieve severe tooth pain
Prevent Spread of Infection
Stop bacteria from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone
Restore Function
Maintain normal biting force and chewing efficiency
The Root Canal Procedure
Examination & X-Rays
We assess the tooth and take digital X-rays to determine the extent of infection
Local Anesthesia
Local anaesthetic is given so the tooth and surrounding gum are numb during treatment
Cleaning & Shaping
Infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped
Sealing & Restoration
The canals are sealed and the tooth is restored with a filling or crown