Root canal treatment in West Bridgford

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

Why is root canal treatment needed? If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth.

This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out. Does it hurt? No. A local anaesthesia is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. 

What does it involve?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal.

The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled. 

Root canal therapy involves the following:

• First, local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure no discomfort is felt during treatment.
• The tooth will be prepared with a drill, allowing access to the root canal system.
• The root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned out to remove all infection and pulp.
• The root canal system is then filled and sealed temporarily with a crown.
• The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled

Life benefits

• Preservation of remaining healthy tooth structure.
• Prevention of infection spreading any further.
• Restoration of tooth to its natural look and feel