Anyone suffering toothache may be concerned over visiting their dentist for treatment, just in case it involves root canal therapy. This treatment has a wholly undeserved reputation for being unpleasant, when in fact this is far from the truth. People who have actually had this treatment find it really isn’t that bad, and is no worse than getting a filling. Even better it is likely to have saved the tooth. Before root canal treatment the only option was to have the affected tooth extracted, so it is a very conservative therapy.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
This treatment is necessary if a tooth somehow becomes infected, something that can occur if the tooth is decayed or damaged as this will allow the bacteria to penetrate the central part of the tooth. The central part of the tooth is the pulp which is the living part of the tooth as it contains blood vessels and nerves. An infected pulp can be very painful.
If you do develop toothache then it is always important to make an appointment for a dental check-up as there will always be a reason for the pain, even if it seems to disappear. The infected pulp will eventually die without treatment, but the infection will spread. An untreated infection has the potential to spread right to the root of the tooth, and it could end up destroying the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth.
What is the Procedure for Root Canal Therapy?
Treatment is very straightforward, as you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable, before one of our dentists’ drills into the tooth to access the infected pulp. The pulp chamber will then be thoroughly cleaned out using specially shaped files. If the infection is severe then you may need antibiotics, or some medication may be placed topically into the pulp chamber. Afterwards the tooth will need either filling or crowning to restore it to full function. Your tooth doesn’t need the pulp, and it can function perfectly well without it.
This treatment has a very high success rate, but occasionally it may fail, for instance if the treated tooth fractures. In this case it will need extracting, but can easily be replaced with dental implants in Gravesend.
If you are overdue for a check-up, or have had a twinge of toothache recently then why not contact us to make an appointment. You can request a call back through our website at www.parrockdental.co.uk or you can give us a ring on 01474 537191.
