Root canal, or endodontic treatment, is required when tooth decay has penetrated to the sensitive dental pulp inside the tooth. Root canal has a reputation for being unpleasant, but the truth is that the modern endodontic treatment we offer at 543 Dental in Hull is now considered as routine as getting a filling!
If you’re experiencing toothache, swelling, and sensitivity to hot and cold, it may be that the inner soft tissue of your tooth – or dental pulp – has become infected due a trauma or deep decay. A root canal treatment eliminates the pain instantly, clearing the infection and sealing the inside of your tooth to prevent re-infection. A dental crown is often required to strengthen and restore tooth function.
Root canal treatment at 543 Dental in Hull is carried out under local anaesthetic and is usually a straightforward procedure, rather like getting a filling. Once the tooth is completely numb, the dentist will use a series of tiny instruments to open up the tooth and extract the infected pulp. The empty space is then cleaned and shaped, ready for filling with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. A temporary filling is usually placed on top – the permanent restoration (either a filling or a crown) is fitted in a separate appointment.
The root of a tooth contains a bundle of soft tissue and nerve endings known as dental pulp. If tooth decay penetrates this far, the dental pulp becomes infected and can cause severe toothache – sometimes even a tooth abscess.
The causes of tooth infection are varied – deep decay due to cavities or gum disease, cracked fillings or crowns, and damage as a result of trauma, or even teeth grinding. Whatever the reason, a root canal treatment should prevent the need for tooth extraction and future costly treatments.
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.
