Why Your Dentist Would Suggest Root Canal Treatment

Questions are normal in the face of a new diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Thankfully, there are lots of places you can turn for answers. In this guide, we aim to break down some of the most common questions patients have when faced with a root canal treatment plan, and offer some answers to your questions that might help you to make an informed decision. 

Why would a dentist recommend a root canal?

Root canal treatment is performed when the nerve inside the tooth is damaged or dies. This can then cause the tooth to become infected or for an abscess to form at the root of the tooth. 

You may not feel any pain when the infection first starts, but this might lead to increased sensitivity in the tooth. Eventually, you might notice swelling, pain when biting down, and eventually persistent pain.

Root canal treatment is often carried out by your dentist, however if you have a complex case, they may refer you to an endodontist. An endodontist is someone who specialises in root canal treatment, and this will ensure the best possible result. 

If the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread throughout the tooth and cause an abscess to form. If root canal treatment is not carried out the infection will spread and the tooth will die. 

When this happens, the only way forward would be an extraction. This is why your dentist might recommend a root canal, as it is the last treatment option available before you need to consider an extraction.

What does the root canal treatment involve?

When you attend for root canal treatment, all treatment will be carried out under local anaesthetic, which means that you will not feel any pain. The tooth is then opened and narrow files are used to remove the damaged nerve and clean the tooth. Disinfectants are placed into the tooth to ensure that the bacteria present are removed. 

The dentist may then put in place a disinfectant dressing which will be left for a week covered with a temporary filling to ensure that all the infection has been removed. They may also prescribe antibiotics to further help remove the infection. 

The dentist will then fill the cavity where the pulp was with a material called Gutta Percha to prevent bacteria re-infecting the space where the nerve has been removed. The tooth will then be covered with a filling to seal and protect the tooth from further bacteria getting in. 

The alternative to root canal treatment is to have the tooth extracted, as once the pulp is destroyed it cannot heal itself. It is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth as the infection can spread to neighbouring teeth. However, it is always better to try and keep your natural teeth where possible.

What happens after root canal treatment?

You may feel some tenderness following treatment but this should improve within a day or two and can be managed using over the counter painkillers. Root canal treatment is usually successful. If the infection returns it is sometimes possible to re root treat the tooth. If this is not possible the tooth will need to be extracted. 

Due to the absence of the nerve supply the tooth can become brittle so it is recommended that following treatment the tooth in question is crowned to help strengthen and protect it. 

However, crowning the tooth is not essential and is entirely your choice. Root filled teeth can also become darker following root canal treatment. If you are worried about this we would once again recommend a crown, as tooth whitening will not be effective for this type of discolouration.

What is the success rate of a root canal?

This all depends on the extent of the infection, the complexity of the roots and the skill of the dentist performing the procedure. If caught early, root canal treatment is often effective for saving a tooth. 

If a root canal treatment is unsuccessful, your dentist may try to repeat the procedure once more. More complex treatments might be recommended if your dentist suspects the root of the tooth has been pierced.

As a last resort, it’s possible to extract the tooth and then restore this with a treatment like a bridge or a dental implant.

What is the alternative to a root canal?

The only alternative to a root canal would be to extract the tooth. We would prefer not to do this if the tooth is still viable, as a gap in your smile can lead to more issues further down the line. It could allow the surrounding teeth to shift or it could lead to receding gums, which will also put your teeth at risk of further damage. We would always prefer to preserve the natural teeth, or else move forward with an extraction with a clear plan for restoring your smile.

What if I’m a very nervous patient?

If you are very afraid of the treatment, we can help to put you at ease. We don’t recommend avoiding treatment, as this could allow the infection to spread. When this happens, the only solution would be to remove the tooth.

Instead, speak to our team about services for nervous patients. We can talk you through the treatment slowly so that you feel informed and in control, or you might want to wear headphones so you can stay distracted. Oral conscious sedation might be a possibility in some cases, as this will allow you to relax during the treatment.

Don’t avoid treatment due to a phobia, as the condition will only get worse. Let our team help you to overcome your phobia and address your tooth decay problem.

If you would like to find out more about Root canal treatment or need to book a consultation. Call Leigh Dental Centre today on 01702 472929.