If you have tooth pain, this may indicate that your tooth is infected. When an infection reaches the pulp tissue, the tooth starts to die, as blood flow to the tooth is reduced. When you’re faced with losing a tooth, root canal treatment can come to the rescue. Here’s everything you need to know about root canal therapy.

What Exactly is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure, which is used to treat an infected tooth. This treatment is called upon when the infection has reached the dental pulp, the living tissue of the tooth. In many cases, if root canal treatment wasn’t performed, the tooth would have to be extracted.

The aim of root canal treatment is to remove the decayed tissue and seal the tooth to prevent further problems. To do this, your dentist will first numb the tooth, and then drill into it to gain access to the root canals. The decayed pulp tissue will be taken out and the canals cleaned. A filling material called gutta percha will then be inserted into the root canals to prevent infection from spreading to other parts of the tooth. After treatment, the tooth is usually crowned to protect it. Initially, a temporary crown will be fitted and this will be replaced around 2 weeks later with a permanent crown. Crowns can be made from materials, including ceramics, to create a very lifelike, natural aesthetic.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

Many people assume that they’re in for a rough ride when their dentist recommends root canal treatment, but the bad reputation this procedure has is unjustified. Before you have treatment, your tooth will be numbed fully, so don’t worry about pain. You shouldn’t feel a thing during the procedure and any pain you experience after the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off should subside very quickly.

If you have questions about root canal treatment, or you’d like to find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch!