04 / 03 / 2022
Root canals: a guide from our dentist
When you have recently suffered from a dental infection, you will probably take whatever steps are needed to prevent another one from occurring. After all, having a dental abscess is typically an extremely uncomfortable experience and many dental patients are far from eager to have it repeated!
But almost in a polar, opposite direction, many dental patients are less than eager to undertake one of the most effective treatments available in dental care to prevent another abscess from occurring; the root canal.
At Kirby Dental, our dentist in Teddington is proud to be able to offer our patients a warm and welcoming environment should they be suffering from a dental abscess or simply need to have a dental check-up. And of course, our team is experienced in performing all manner of restorative and endodontic procedures to keep your oral health in check.
In this article, our dentist in Teddington provides a brief guide to root canals, how they are performed and any associated care that they may require once they are fitted.
What is a root canal?
Known as an endodontic procedure (which means below the tooth), the root canal has been a part of dental care for over 100 years, but luckily it has advanced alongside other dental technologies.
Our dentist in Teddington will offer patients a root canal if they are suffering from a dental abscess or if the pulp of the tooth is exposed to the air through trauma or a split in the tooth. In rare cases, a root canal may be performed if a patient has extreme dental sensitivity.
Performing endodontic procedures
But how is a root canal performed? And why is it so dreaded amongst most dental patients?
Firstly, our team will apply a local anaesthetic to the area where we are to perform the root canal, so you will not feel anything. Then once the area is numbed, we will begin drilling directly down to the root of the tooth. This hole is called the canal and once it is in place, we may need to widen it slightly using small sanding tools.
This will allow us access to the root of the tooth which will likely be infected. We will begin removing the infected pulp from the inside of the tooth, thus resolving the infection. Once we are satisfied that all of the infected material has been removed, we will fill the tooth with a substance known as gutta-percha, which is an almost rubbery sealant that will prevent any bacteria from getting access to the pulp.
Then, depending on the tooth that it has been performed on, we will seal the canal with either a filling or a crown and the treatment is completed.
Aftercare
The tooth you have had the root canal performed on is likely to feel a bit sensitive for a few days afterwards.
This is normal and should be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. If you suspect that the root canal has failed, contact our team immediately.
Prevention
In most cases, root canals are needed to prevent and reverse dental abscesses. The easiest way to prevent a dental abscess is to attend regular check-ups with our team, follow good oral hygiene at home and of course, report any unusual sensations you may have in your mouth which could be a dental abscess in the making.
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