If you’ve noticed discomfort or intense sensitivity, it may indicate an infection nestled inside your tooth. It’s best to visit us as soon as you detect these symptoms. We’ll advise two options depending on the severity of the condition: extraction or root canal therapy.
Root canal/endodontic therapy is designed to save an infected or damaged tooth by removing the inflicted tissues and nerves. Our dentists will then prevent further infection by cleaning the chamber, filling the tooth with a special material, and sealing it.
Failing to get help for an infection can lead to your tooth failing or the infection spreading to other teeth or body parts. This can lead to serious health complications, so it’s imperative to seek treatment as soon as you notice the signs that something is wrong.
Symptoms to watch out for include the following: severe tooth pain or sensitivity, swollen gums, a darkening tooth, pus or draining from the tooth, and a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
Many people believe that root canal treatment is a painful or risky procedure. However, it is actually a safe and effective way to save teeth that would otherwise require extraction. Many of our patients who’ve had root canal treatment reported no pain during the procedure and, afterwards, felt relief from the misery of their infection. Root canal treatment also has a success rate of over 95%, so it’s a reliable way to save your natural teeth.
We hope this eases your worries about this treatment. If you’d like to learn more, here’s what you can expect during your root canal treatment.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment:
A collective of our dentists, including Dr Layla Taidi-Danino and Dr German Dorgan, have postgraduate training in Endodontics and can confidently carry out root canal treatment to save your natural smile.
After your initial consultation, where we will examine the painful tooth and confirm an infection, we’ll book you in for your root canal procedure. Root canals usually take 1-2 visits to complete to allow ample time for the infection to pass.
During the procedure, our dentist will numb the area around your tooth with a local anaesthetic. This ensures you feel no pain during the treatment. Next, they will create an opening at the top of the tooth with special instruments to extract the infected or damaged pulp. Pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains multiple nerves and blood vessels.
Once all the infected or damaged tissue is removed, our dentist will clean and disinfect the tooth chamber to remove any remaining debris and kill bacteria. Afterwards, they will fill and seal the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth again. The filling is a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha“, or a composite resin. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling in the opening to protect the tooth while it heals.
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this should subside within a few days. We may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relief options to ease discomfort.
Following the healing period, we will replace the temporary filling with a permanent one. We may secure a crown to a tooth requiring extra support or to disguise any darkening if the nerves have died.
Caring for Your Tooth After a Root Canal:
Following our instructions on how to care for a tooth that’s had a root canal is essential for long-term success. This may involve avoiding certain foods or activities, such as biting on hard foods or chewing gum, until the temporary filling is replaced with a permanent one. You should also continue to brush and floss your teeth, as usual, to keep the tooth and the surrounding area clean. Here are some tips for caring for a tooth that has had a root canal:
- Take any prescribed medications as directed. We may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to help manage discomfort and prevent infection.
- Avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth until it has fully healed. This may mean avoiding certain foods or activities, such as biting on hard foods or chewing gum.
- Practise good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep the treated tooth and the surrounding area clean.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as needed. If you experience discomfort after the procedure, we may recommend over-the-counter pain relief options, such as ibuprofen.
- Be sure to follow up with us. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the treated tooth and ensure it is healing correctly. It is essential to attend these appointments as scheduled.
By following these tips and continuing to visit us for regular check-ups and cleanings, your treated tooth should remain healthy and functional for many years and won’t require extraction.
Final Word
Overall, a root canal is a safe and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth. While it may sound intimidating, this procedure is designed to alleviate pain, save your natural teeth, and prevent further infection or damage. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure can last a lifetime.
Interested in Root Canal Treatment Near You? Contact Corner House Dental, Norwich, to Retain Your Natural Smile:
If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain or intense sensitivity, it’s time to visit the dentist. We’re open six days a week, so you can find a day and time that best suits your schedule. On Saturdays, we welcome patients by appointment only.
Call our friendly reception team on 01603 385322 or contact us online for Root Canal enquiries.
We look forward to meeting you!