Root Canal Treatment, also known as Endodontics, is the repairing of teeth that have serious damage to the internal soft pulp tissue. It is a highly specialised procedure involving the cleaning and shaping of the root canals before they are filled and sealed to protect the tooth against further infection. If you require Root Canal Treatment then at Horsley Dental we have the experience and to skills to help you.
Endodontic treatment is a very effective way of repairing teeth that may otherwise have to be removed. The teeth involved have often become infected by severe decay, or as a result of a fracture or deep filling. This infection can then spread below the protective enamel and dentine layers, reaching the nerves and blood vessels contained within the canals inside the tooth - which can be extremely painful.
The main symptom of a pulp infection is tooth pain and increased sensitivity to hot or cold. The tooth may become discoloured and the gum can swell and feel tender. You may also find that you have a metallic taste in your mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms at all.
At the initial consultation appointment your dentist will assess if Root Canal Treatment is appropriate for you. The procedure will be fully explained and you will have the opportunity to discuss the results you would like to achieve and ask any questions you may have. The treatment itself is complex and will require several visits to the practice, the exact amount depending on the individual case and severity of the damage.
If you think that Root Canal Treatment might be for you, please call our reception on 01483 281 414 to arrange a consultation. To find out how much Root Canal Treatment costs at Horsley Dental, please visit our Fees page to see our latest prices.
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Most patients feel little more than mild pressure during treatment. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterwards is normal, but this is usually short-lived and can be managed with simple pain relief. Many people find the treatment far more comfortable than they expected.
The length of a root canal treatment depends on the tooth and the level of infection. In many cases, it can be completed in one or two appointments. Each visit usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. Your dentist will let you know what to expect based on your individual treatment plan.
After a root canal, the infected tissue is removed and the tooth is sealed to protect it. Once restored with a filling or crown, the tooth should look and function much like a natural one. In everyday use, most people notice little to no difference.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root-canal treated tooth can last many years- often just as long as a natural tooth. Because the nerve has been removed, the tooth can become slightly more fragile over time, so a crown is sometimes recommended to protect it, especially on back teeth. Other than that, no special care is needed beyond brushing, flossing and routine dental visits.
Root canal treatment is a well-established and highly successful way to save a damaged or infected tooth. As with any dental procedure, no treatment can be guaranteed forever. Very occasionally, bacteria can re-enter the tooth over time and cause reinfection, particularly if the tooth develops cracks or the final restoration becomes worn or damaged.
A tooth that has had root canal treatment can also be more fragile, which is why a crown is sometimes recommended to protect it long-term. For most patients, the benefits of keeping their natural tooth far outweigh any potential risks.
If a root canal is needed but not carried out, the infection inside the tooth is likely to worsen rather than heal on its own. This can lead to increasing pain, swelling, and the formation of an abscess. Over time, the infection may spread and the tooth may no longer be savable, leaving extraction as the only option. Early treatment helps stop the infection and gives the best chance of keeping your natural tooth.