Root Canal Treatment: What you need to know.

15 September 2019

Your oral health is at the core of everything we do at Etwall Dental Practice. That’s why we’ll always offer guidance on the steps you can take to avoid having any issues with your teeth and gums. If good oral health is not maintained, you may run the risk of a tooth infection, due to the build-up of decay. In many cases, this may result in root canal treatment.

What is a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is an endodontic treatment that seeks to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or has become infected.

When is a root canal needed?

If x-rays by your dentist suggest your teeth reveal that pulp (soft tissue) has been damaged by bacterial infection, root canal treatment will be recommended. Bacterial infection is the most common cause of ongoing toothache. Patients have often found that tooth pain can vary throughout the day, usually worsening when biting down. Others may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods or liquids, whilst some suffer from tender or swollen gums. The root of these issues can be linked back to an infection at the centre of your teeth. Infection is most commonly caused by tooth decay, leaky fillings or damage to teeth. If you find yourself suffering regularly with any of the above, please get in touch with one of our dental experts at Etwall Dental Practice.

How is a root canal performed?

The main objective of root canal treatment is to remove all bacteria from the tooth. During the procedure, Etwall Dental Practice dentists will administer local anaesthetic, going on to remove any infected soft tissue and seal the infected tooth with an antibacterial sealant material.

Are root canals dangerous?

The effectiveness of root canal treatment is well-established. Currently, there is no valid scientific evidence linking root canals to any health problems. Added to that advancements in modern dentistry, which make endodontic treatment predictable, effective and successful. If you’re apprehensive about a root canal, you can talk to an Etwall Dental Practice dentist about an extraction instead.

Toothache or any of the aforementioned can be a clear indication of infection. If you’ve noticed any changes in your teeth or gums, don’t hesitate to contact us at Etwall Dental Practice for a completely free consultation. You can find all the relevant information you’ll need over on our Contact Us page. Or, if you’d like more detail on the procedure, check out our Root Canal Treatment page.

Our dentists are always happy to help, so if you find yourself in need of anymore advice about oral health or are just looking to enquire about one of our other services, be sure to check out our other General Dentistry services and approved Treatments.