Root canal therapy
Eliminate the toothache, not the tooth
When we say the words ‘root canal’, most people automatically think ‘pain’. And while nobody would describe getting a root canal as a joyous way to spend a Wednesday afternoon, we really do believe we can change perceptions about root canal here at Holmes Dental Care. Modern root canal is nothing like what patients may have experienced a few decades ago – in fact, it’s considered as routine as getting a filling. At Holmes Dental Care, we offer a range of pain-relief options so your root canal procedure really is nothing to fear.
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Root canal causes and symptoms
If you experience sudden toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling around a tooth, or a darkened tooth, it may be that the inside of your tooth – the dental pulp – has become infected. This can happen for a number of reasons – tooth decay and gum disease, injury, cracking, or stress caused by repeated treatments. Broken crowns and damaged fillings are also major culprits. Don’t ignore the symptoms – often they subside as the nerves inside your tooth die off, only to return more aggressively as the infection spreads to the tissues surrounding your tooth, which can cause an abscess.
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The root canal procedure
Root canal treatment can be carried out in-house at Holmes Dental Care, and we use a state-of-the-art dental microscope for the most accurate results. In addition to the dental microscope we can use high powered magnification for added visibility, then ozone and lasers for disinfection – also used are state of the art filing and filling systems (Wave One Reciproc and System B Obtura respectively to ensure optimal outcomes). Though root canal therapy is considered routine, it can be a lengthy process, so you may want to bring headphones with you. After numbing your tooth (putting an end to your toothache) and isolating it with a rubber dam (this helps you to swallow comfortably), the dentist will open up your tooth and use special tools to remove the infected tissue. The empty pulp chamber is then thoroughly disinfected and sealed with a flexible filling material called gutta percha. In most cases, you will need to return to the practice to have your tooth strengthened with a crown.
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FAQS
Does it hurt to get a root canal treatment?
Root canal therapy should not cause any discomfort and will instantly eliminate your toothache.
Does it hurt after a root canal treatment?
As with many dental procedures, you can expect to feel a little discomfort for the first 24-48 hours, but this is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. You may need to chew on the other side of your mouth while your root-treated tooth is healing, and it is likely you will need to get a dental crown to strengthen your tooth fully.
Why have a root canal and not an extraction?
Keeping your tooth is always the best option, because it preserves the structure of your jaw, preventing the bone loss that happens when teeth are missing. Keeping your tooth also prevents your other teeth from shifting position, which can lead to further dental problems.
Will I need to take time off work for a root canal?
You can carry on as normal once the anaesthetic has worn off, though the full healing period will take around a week – just be careful with what you eat, how you chew and maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
