Root Canal Treatment

When Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?

The crown of the tooth is made up of the hard, white, enamel layer and a thicker dentine layer. Both these hard layers protect the innermost soft tissues of the tooth called the pulp. The dental pulp contains blood vessels and nerves within and extends from the crown to the tips of the root or roots.

Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth in the event that it gets infected or inflamed. The pulp can be infected or inflamed due to either deep decay or an extensive restoration that involves the pulp, cracked or fractured tooth due to trauma, excessive wear of enamel and dentine exposing the pulp, and sometimes as a result of severe gum disease.

Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of the overlying gums or a bad taste in the mouth. On the other hand, there may be no symptoms at all. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can eventually cause pain, swelling and loss of the supporting bone.

What Are The Advantages Of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise have been extracted.

After root canal treatment the tooth is pulp-less i.e. it has no vital tissues within. However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root e.g. the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone. A root canal treated tooth can function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and oral hygiene measures.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Root canal treatment procedures are relatively comfortable and often painless as the tooth is anaesthetised during treatment. After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be relieved by taking mild analgesics or painkillers available over the counter at the pharmacy. However, if the pain persists and is severe, or a swelling occurs, you should contact your dentist.

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Very professional dental practice, both dentists and staff are very helpful. All treatments and procedures are explained thoroughly, and your mind is put at ease.

Wouldn’t go anywhere else!

- S.Gill

After being terrified of Dentist for almost 60 years, I have at last found in Greg one that I can trust. He is kind, thoughtful and advises you every step of the way. I was actually able to sit through and have an extraction without fear, Did not feel a thing!

Thank you Greg

- AB

Just wanted to say a big ‘Thank you’ to you for all the time & effort you put into making sure my veneer was just right. It really is a job well done , & the care you took is very much appreciated. I’ve had several veneers over the past 20 years, but none look as natural as this one. Please pass on my thanks to the laboratory too.

Best Wishes

- AC

To Greg, & all the staff at Rotherholme Dental Practice.

I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with me & helping me conquer my ‘fear of dentist!’ For saying that 6 months ago I couldn’t even go into the waiting room without panicking & crying….I shall almost miss my regular visits!

Thank you and see you in 6months – “with no fear at all”

- EL

Dear Judith

Just a short note to say thank you for being so patient with me. Thanks to you and all your friendly staff, I have overcome my fear of dentist again, and from now on shall be attending regular check ups. Thank you all once again.

- SH

Many, many thanks for your kindness and patience. Completely painless and restored my faith in dentist.

To Greg, Judith, Hannah, Kate & Sarah

Thank you for letting me experience a brilliant dentistry practice!

I wanted to say how very pleased I was with the last work you did on my teeth.

The crown and bridge blend beautifully with the rest of my teeth, and the denture was so comfortable that from the very beginning, I had to check whether I was really wearing it!

Thank you very much indeed, with all good wishes.

- AB