What is Endodontic Treatment?
Within the root of your tooth, situated beneath the gum line, there is a canal filled with pulp which provides your tooth with nourishment and contains a lot of nerve endings. Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) involves the cleaning, shaping and filling of the root canal system.
Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can be caused by a variety of reasons; deep decay, repeated trauma to the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. An injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Dr Raphael Bellamy, our Endodontist at Northumberland Dental Care, has answered some of your frequently asked endodontic questions.
Endodontic Treatment FAQs
What is root canal treatment?
Endodontic or root canal treatment involves the dentist or endodontist opening up the tooth at the crown, removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals and filling the canal system. This filing is a rubber-like material known as gutta percha which creates a seal in the canal to avoid re-infection. The crown of the tooth is then filled using tooth-coloured filling material. A post and core may be needed to support the root canal treated tooth, so a porcelain crown can be placed over it if needed.
Is root canal treatment painful?
No, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. We will numb your tooth and surrounding area using local anaesthetic. You will feel that there is treatment being conducted but you will not feel any discomfort.
How many visits do I need?
Depending on the complexity of the case, your root canal treatment may be conducted in a single visit or over multiple visits. We will be able to discuss this with you during your first visit. More than two visits will rarely be necessary.
What happens next?
After your root filling is complete, the top part of your tooth will be filled. In some cases, this filling will be sufficient. In many cases, however, a restorative crown may be required. You will be advised which option is suitable for you. If a post and core is needed, this is placed before the restorative crown is placed.
What are the signs of needing root canal treatment?
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, or swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
Will I feel pain after the procedure?
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications prescribed by your dentist. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your dentist.
For more information about root canal treatment at Northumberland Dental Care, you can contact us directly on (01) 668 8441 or info@nidm.ie. Alternatively, you can visit our website here.