Answers to your root canal worries make it easier

Sometimes just the phrase ‘root canal’ worries patients. A root canal filling is a dental procedure that does have a reputation for hurting. But actually it’s not the treatment that hurts – it’s usually the pain before the treatment that is the problem. Root canal therapy will actually solve your pain and even save your tooth. It can help turn a damaged tooth into a functioning pain-free tooth again.

Why do I need a root canal filling?

Patients usually notice symptoms such as: increased sensitivity, swelling around the margin where the tooth meets the gum, or the pain and swelling of an abscess.

• What is root canal therapy? Endodontics explained.
• Your answers to questions about a mouth abscess.

Having root canal treatment takes care of infection, and prevents it from spreading to other healthy tissues. When discussing treatment and alternatives, your dentist will explain the likelihood that the tooth can be saved. The most common alternative to a root canal filling to treat infection deep in the tooth is extraction.

Understand the procedure (no more root canal worries!)

At the first appointment patients will notice that there’s more patient preparation than there would be for a regular filling. The appointment is longer too. As the dentist will clean out infection that’s taken hold in the soft pulp of the tooth, where nerves and blood supply are, extra precautions prevent further infection.

•  During the treatment a dental dam, a small rubber sheet supported on a frame, sits around the infected tooth. It protects the tooth’s root canal from harmful bacteria already in the mouth or saliva.
• For most root canal procedures the dentist uses local anaesthetic administered gradually through a very fine needle to block sensitivity. The patient will be aware of what the dentist is doing, but doesn’t feel anything. Keeping an open mouth for long enough can be a bit of a challenge though. Particularly nervous patients may ask to be assessed for intravenous sedation.
• The dentist proceeds to access the canal, widen and clean it with a range of specialist, individual endodontic tools.
• Disinfectants clean away the infected pulp.
• In the final stage of the first appointment, the dentist places a filling to reduce the chance of the tooth breaking between visits, but it’s a temporary filling.
• After the treatment, the tooth may feel tender for a few days, which is normal. Although unlikely, if there is the same level of pain as before, or increased pain, then notify the dentist as soon as possible.

The procedure during the second appointment is similar, although not as intensive, and should not last as long.

• The dentist removes the first filling and checks to make sure there’s no infection.
• Provided the tooth is clear of infection, then the permanent filling is placed and the root canal is worry free.

Care after root canal fillings:

Short term care:

• For some patients, particularly if there was a periapical abscess (infection deep in the base of the root), the dentist prescribes antibiotics. Be sure to follow the instructions. If you react to the medication, or feel pain or swelling, then contact the practice as soon as possible. Be sure to follow the dentist’s after-care advice.

Long term care:

• A root filled tooth is more brittle and breaks more easily. Patients are often advised to have a crown placed on the tooth to protect it so it will last longer.
• Regular visits to the dentist and the hygienist, as well as a thorough oral hygiene routine at home, are essential to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Effective periodontal care can help teeth to stay healthy and prevent infection. Subscription to a dental care plan can help patients to maintain a consistent oral care regime.

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