A root canal is a very commonly performed dental procedure that can salvage your tooth if the pulp in a tooth becomes infected. It’s important to bare in mind that the need for a root canal may not be very easy to spot, which is why regular general check-ups are essential. Read on to find out more about the principal signs and symptoms, as well as details surrounding the procedure behind treatment.
Root canal treatment. How to treat our teeth after the tooth is damaged. or severe caries as causes infection or inflammation
What are the steps to completing a root canal?
Cleaning the root canal: your dentist will first remove everything that is inside the root canal. Whilst you are under local anaesthesia your dentist here at Corner House will make a tiny access hole on the surface of your tooth, removing any dead and diseased pulp tissue using small files.
Filling the root canal: following this, your dentist will shape, clean and decontaminate the hollow area using a file again, as well as irrigation solutions. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like material and an adhesive cement is used to seal the canals.
Adding a crown or filling: a tooth without pulp must receive nourishment from ligaments that attach the tooth to bone. This supply is temporarily adequate but over time the tooth will grow brittle and require a crown or filling to protect it. Until the crown or filling has been fitted, we will ask you not to chew or bite on the tooth – once your crown or filling is complete, your tooth will be restored to normal.
3 tell tale signs that you might need a root canal?
- Cracked or chipped tooth – cracked teeth can occur from eating hard foods or engaging in contact sports and if left untreated, the nerves beneath the surface become exposed and can lead to infection. Should the infection enter the bloodstream, it can spread and require a root canal.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold – if you find your tooth is aching more than usual when you eat and drink hot and cold substances, this could be the sign of damaged nerve endings and blood vessels which will warrant a root canal.
- Swollen gums – swollen gums can be the sign of problems beneath the surface – raised bumps on your gums may be demonstrative of inflammation and in some situations, you might need a root canal to tackle the issue.
If you would like more information about root canal treatment, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with us here in Norwich. We look forward to welcoming you.
