Most people don’t think too much about the inside of a tooth until something goes wrong. When pain starts deep in a tooth, especially a lingering ache or sensitivity that won’t settle, it can quickly become hard to ignore. That’s usually when endodontic treatment comes into the picture.
At its core, endodontics is the part of dentistry that deals with the inside of the tooth. More specifically, it focuses on treating infection or inflammation in the dental pulp; the soft tissue that is located in the centre of the tooth, where the nerves and blood supply are found.
Teeth are strong on the outside, but the inner part is more sensitive. If bacteria find a way in, usually through decay, a crack, or a deep filling, the pulp can become irritated or infected. Initially this may lead to an increase in sensitivity of the tooth which causes discomfort. If ignored though, this is likely to become much more painful and harder to control with painkillers. If sensation goes altogether, it may mean that the nerves have died, though the infection is still there and still needs to be treated.
Essentially, the root canal procedure removes infected pulp material and replaces it with a special filling and sealing to prevent any further infection. The process usually starts with getting the area numb. Once the tooth is comfortable, a small opening is made so we can access the canals. Following this, the infected soft pulp is removed and the hollow canals cleaned to remove any bacteria that might remain. Once everything is cleaned, the space is filled with Gutta Percha, a material designed to seal it properly and prevent bacteria from getting back in.
This is probably the most common concern that our Rushey Green Dental Practice patients mention. Root canal treatment has a reputation, but in reality, modern techniques and anaesthetics mean it is usually no more uncomfortable than having some other invasive dental treatments.
Most patients are surprised at how manageable the procedure feels once they are actually in the chair and are surprised by how little discomfort they actually feel.
Whenever possible, the goal is to keep the natural tooth. Even though alternatives like extraction exist, removing a tooth can lead to other issues over time, such as movement of surrounding teeth or difficulty chewing properly. Having this procedure enables the patient to retain the natural tooth which is usually strengthened by the attachment of a crown which also gives it a more natural appearance.
It’s quite normal to feel a bit of tenderness for a few days after a root canal procedure. The surrounding tissues can be slightly inflamed, particularly if the infection was severe beforehand. This will usually settle with time and basic pain relief if needed. Once the tooth has been restored, often with a filling or crown, it should feel much more stable and comfortable.
You will need to have follow up checks to make sure that everything is as it should be and that it is healing as it should.
Not all cases of toothache mean that a root canal is required at our Catford dental practice. However, there are some common signs that indicate that direction, such as:
Sometimes there are no strong symptoms at all, and the issue is only picked up on an X-ray during a routine visit.
The only real alternative to root canal therapy is extracting the tooth. We don’t recommend this unless essential and even if it is extracted, there may be a need for further treatment to replace it which could include a bridge or dental implant placement.
For many of our patients, keeping the natural tooth is usually the preferred option when it is realistically possible. That said, not every tooth can be saved, and part of the assessment is deciding honestly whether endodontic treatment is likely to succeed or not.
With the correct aftercare, a root canal-treated tooth can last for many years, and sometimes even for life for life. The key issues are the nature of the restoration and how well it is maintained with brushing, cleaning between teeth, and regular check-ups afterwards.
Although root canal treatment sometimes has a reputation for being a complex procedure, it is, in reality, a very routine procedure in modern dental care. It is something we carry out regularly, and techniques have improved significantly over time.
Endodontic treatment is essentially about saving teeth that would otherwise be lost. While the idea of a root canal can sound intimidating, the reality for most patients is far more straightforward than expected.
If caught early, treatment is often more predictable and less complicated. And for many people, it means keeping the natural tooth rather than needing to have it extracted.
For further information about this often misunderstood treatment, or to book an appointment for a check up or any other oral health related issues, please call the Rushey Green Dental Practice on 020 8314 5066.
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