Maycroft Dental Practice
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Why Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases, your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment.
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Root Canal Procedure
A simple process with a very high success rate
Root canal therapy has a high success rate and is a valuable tool for saving teeth that would otherwise need extraction. While it has a reputation for being painful, the procedure is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling thanks to modern anesthesia and techniques. The relief from the severe pain of a dental infection is often immediate after the procedure.
The Root Canal Process
Anesthesia
The dentist will first numb the area around the tooth to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Access
A small hole is drilled into the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Pulp Removal
The diseased or damaged pulp is removed using specialised instruments. This is typically done under a microscope to ensure complete removal and to avoid further damage to the tooth.
Cleaning and Shaping
The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and shaped to make it ready for filling. This involves removing any remaining bacteria or debris and shaping the canals to accept the filling material.
Filling
The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which helps to seal the tooth and prevent further infection.
Restoration
The drilled hole is sealed, and a crown or filling is usually placed on the tooth to restore its natural appearance and function.
The Skills Required
Why our Dentists are so effective
Performing root canal therapy requires a unique set of skills, as it’s an intricate procedure. Here are some key skills a dentist or endodontist needs:
Manual Dexterity
Root canal therapy involves working with small, precise instruments within the tight spaces of a tooth. Dentists must have excellent hand-eye coordination and a steady hand.
Attention to Detail
The inside of a tooth is a tiny, complex structure. An accurate diagnosis and an understanding of the tooth’s structure are essential to ensure complete removal of the infected pulp and proper filling of the root canals.
Problem-Solving Skills
Not all root canal procedures are straightforward. Dentists may encounter challenges such as difficult to access teeth, calcified canals, or complications from previous treatments. Being able to identify and address these issues is a crucial skill.
Communication Skills
Dentists must be able to communicate effectively with patients to explain the need for the procedure, how it will be performed, and how to care for the tooth afterward. This helps to alleviate any fears or anxieties the patient may have.
Patience and Endurance
Root canal treatments can be time-consuming, often requiring multiple visits. Dentists need the patience to work methodically and the endurance to perform lengthy procedures.
Technological Proficiency
Today’s endodontic treatments often involve advanced technologies like digital radiography, electronic apex locators, ultrasonic instruments, and microscopes. Dentists need to be proficient in using these technologies to perform the procedure effectively.
Knowledge and Learning
The field of endodontics is constantly evolving with new research, techniques, and technologies. Dentists must be committed to ongoing learning to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Compassion and Empathy
A root canal can be a stressful experience for a patient. A good dentist will empathise with their patients, helping to alleviate their fears and ensure their comfort during the procedure.
Book with Confidence
These skills combined with proper training and experience, enable our dentists to effectively perform root canal therapy and help patients maintain their oral health.
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Speak to our experts to see if a Root Canal is the right treatment for you at this stage.
Our specialists can help you to diagnose the problem based upon your symptoms.
- FAQs On Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a dental procedure to treat an infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the tooth’s pulp (nerve and blood vessels) and sealing it to prevent further damage.
Root canal therapy is needed when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Left untreated, pulp infection can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
While root canals have a reputation for being painful, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. Modern techniques and anesthetics can make the treatment virtually painless.
After a root canal, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off. Later you may have some sensitivity. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to relieve this discomfort.
Typically, root canal treatment can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting about 90 minutes to two hours.
With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime. After the root canal, a crown is often needed to protect the tooth and restore it to full function.
Most teeth can be treated with root canal therapy. However, in some cases, the tooth may be too damaged or the infection too severe to save the tooth. In such cases, extraction may be necessary.
The main alternative to a root canal is extracting the damaged tooth. However, this often means replacing it with an implant, bridge, or denture to restore chewing function and prevent shifting of the other teeth.
- Find us
We’re easy to find as we’re perfectly and centrally located in the heart of Moreton, Wirral.
- 172 Hoylake Rd, Moreton, Wirral CH46 8TQ
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