Root canal treatment… What’s the deal?

Unfortunately, you find yourself in the unpleasant position of having a toothache.  You give us a call and we arrange a time for you to come in to see us.  After a few questions about your pain, some gentle tooth-tapping and an x-ray we break the news to you.

You need a Root. Canal. Treatment. 

Three of the most dreaded words in the history of dentistry.

To be honest, the old root canal treatment has an awful reputation which it doesn’t really deserve. 

Here we’ll explain exactly what’s involved, the benefits of a root treatment, and bust a few myths along the way.

What is root canal treatment?

Each of our teeth has one or more roots that keep them snug in our jawbones.  Imagine each root is like an empty ice cream cone, with the nerve of the tooth living in the hollow part.  In a healthy tooth, the nerve is kept nice and safe by the surrounding tooth, but sometimes a tooth that has a lot of decay, a large filling, or has had a knock ends up with a damaged nerve.  This damage can cause the nerve to die, leading to pain for you and eventually infection in the tooth.

During root canal treatment, your dentist will make a hole in the top of the tooth and spend some time removing the nerve and thoroughly cleaning the canal.  Then the empty canal is filled with a type of rubber to keep any further infection from getting back in, and the top of the tooth is repaired.  All this usually takes place over two appointments.

Will it hurt?  I’ve heard having a root canal is awful!

The last thing we want to do is cause you pain.  So we’ll make sure you are completely numb before we get started, and if you feel any discomfort please let us know.  While the treatment itself is usually painless, you might feel some mild discomfort for a short while afterward, but this should settle with time, or it may help to take some painkillers if you feel particularly achy.  If you find your pain continues or worsens, please let us know.

What are the benefits and risks of root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a great option for reducing pain and infection from a tooth, and ultimately saving a tooth that you might otherwise lose.  Depending on the type of tooth, how much damage it has suffered, and how well you care for it, your tooth could stay put and give you no problems for many years. 

However, removing the nerve of a tooth can make it weaker, so it may need more work in the future, such as a crown, to strengthen it.  We’ll discuss all possible options with you to help you make the best choice for you and your lifestyle.

Dr Jane Doran uses the most up-to-date methods and technology, and her passion is providing you with excellent, pain-free service.

So please don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.