Root canal treatments really have come a long way over the years and with modern technology and improved techniques, the treatment can now be offered to patients with fewer visits and more comfortable aftercare.
Used to remove bacteria or dead tissue from inside the tooth, a root canal treatment reduces the overall pain and allows the damaged or infected tooth to be repaired. Root canal treatments allow you to get your smile back on track and are critical in preventing teeth from falling out or needing to be removed due to pain and discomfort.
If we have recommended you have a root canal treatment with Hermes London Dental Clinic, here is a step-by-step guide of what to expect throughout your treatment.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Also known as endodontics, root canal treatment is an important procedure required to prevent further damage once the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected either through tooth decay or a recent injury. This infection can spread through the root canal system and can potentially lead to a painful abscess. Root canal treatment is used to eliminate the infection and protect the infected tooth.
Unfortunately, if a root canal treatment isn’t carried out, the tooth may need to be removed to prevent further damage – so it’s important that the symptoms and signs are not missed. Root canal treatments really shouldn’t be as scary as they seem, particularly as they are often the best option for a pain-free and healthy smile in the longer term.
Know the Symptoms and Signs
While the symptoms of an infected tooth are very easy to spot, many patients mistake the signs for toothache or delay visiting their dentist due to dental anxiety.
The symptoms you should be aware of include:
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food drink
- A loose tooth
More advanced symptoms can include:
- Facial swelling
- Swollen gum near the affected tooth
- Oozing pus from the affected tooth
- The affected tooth appearing darker in colour
What to Expect from Root Canal Therapy
If your dentist has informed you that you must have root canal therapy, you’re most likely wondering what to expect from the treatment. Before having your root canal treatment, your dentist will need to take a number of X-rays of the affected tooth to assess the damage.
Worried that root canal treatment will be painful? Fortunately, a local anaesthetic can be carried out to numb the infected tooth and the gum around it to reduce the pain and discomfort during the procedure. As well as a local anaesthetic, we also use specialist techniques and advanced equipment to make the treatment as painless as possible.
The treatment aims to remove the infection from the root canal, which is then cleaned and filled to prevent further infection from taking place. The tooth is then filled with a temporary filling to allow it to settle.
Following this, the tooth must be checked by your dentist in another visit so that they can then assess the progress of the treatment and ensure that the infection has cleared. The tooth is then permanently filled.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
Aftercare is important in ensuring the smooth recovery of your infected tooth following root canal treatment and it’s important to make sure that your teeth are properly looked after.
After your treatment, you may find that the tooth is no longer painful but does feel sensitive for a few days. If you are suffering from discomfort, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to relieve this. However, you must visit your dentist if you’re still suffering from pain or swelling even after using painkillers.
To ensure the best possible results and recovery after a root canal visit, you should keep your teeth clean by brushing twice a day and flossing on a daily basis to remove any residue and particles of food. It’s also best to avoid consuming foods and drinks containing high amounts of sugar and try to drink as much water as possible. It may be easier to stick to softer foods if you do experience sensitivity or discomfort, but any hard foods should be avoided until the treatment is complete.
After the root canal area has healed, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly. Not only will this generally keep your teeth in a good healthy condition, but it can also reduce the chance of you needing root canal treatments again in the future.
Towards the end of your treatment, you should expect to have an additional x-ray to assess that the infection has gone and the treatment has worked.
Looking for Root Canal Treatment in London?
Hermes Dentists London are an award-winning dental clinic with experience and a proven track record with root canal treatment in London. With excellent care and attention, a tooth treated with a root canal can stay healthy for the rest of your life.
To keep your mouth in tip-top shape we recommend you come in for regular dental hygiene appointments and dental check-ups. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits. As a private dentist in London, we can provide a tailored plan that can put the confidence back in your smile.
If you want more reasons to smile, then simply get in contact today – we’d love to help.