FAQ

Question What is an Endodontist?

Question While all dentists receive basic training in performing root canal treatment there are dentists who specialise in this form of treatment and they are called “Endodontists”. To become an Endodontist a dentist must complete several years of specialist postgraduate training and be registered on the General Dental Councils Specialist Lists.

Question What is root canal treatment?

Question Root canal treatment is the process by which a dentist treats the internal aspects of the tooth, specifically a long hollow chamber (root canal) that contains pulp tissue. This pulp tissue is commonly referred to as the “nerve” and whilst containing nerves it also contains blood vessels, lymphatics and connective tissue. A root canal treatment is required when the pulpal tissues have died or are dying.

Question What is the purpose of root canal treatment?

Question The purpose of Root canal treatment is to create a situation where the tissues that surround the tooth will remain healthy despite the fact that the pulpal tissues inside the tooth have died. Specifically this means that the surrounding tissues are not inflamed due to bacterial infection from within the root canal system of the tooth.

Question How does root canal treatment work?

Question Root canal treatment works by removing the remaining dead/dying organic material along with bacteria and bacterial toxins from the root canal system of the tooth. It is these items that are the cause of the disease process that results in the pain associated with an infected dying tooth.

Once this cleansing process has been completed the second half of the root canal treatment can begin. This involves filling and sealing the root canal system preventing bacteria from the mouth leaking back in and recolonizing the tooth resulting in pain and swelling.

Question Why have a root canal treatment?

Question If you have an infection in your body your immune system, transported in your blood, will be drawn to the area where bacteria that have caused the infection can be destroyed and removed.
The unique problem with infections of the root canals is that the blood vessels supplying the pulpal tissues have died. Therefore as there is no blood supply into the root canal there is also no immune system. This then allows a comfortable place for bacteria to reside safe from the bodies’ immune system that is trying to remove them.

By having the root canal treatment this is effectively doing your bodies’ work for you, as it cleans out all of the bacteria preventing any more coming in. This allows the body to then heal the tissues surrounding the tooth that have been damaged by the inflammation caused by the infection.

Question Will you experience pain during your treatment?

Question Root canal treatment has a reputation for being a painful procedure, however this is not warranted. For the vast majority of cases root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling placed. The only difference being the time taken.

Question Will you experience pain after your treatment?

Question It is common to feel some tenderness in the tooth for the first couple of days after treatment. This discomfort is normally well controlled by the use of over-the-counter painkillers. Occasionally this tenderness can last up to 1-2 weeks however if you are concerned about the levels of discomfort then please contact the Surgery.

Question Additional work required for the tooth after root canal treatment.

Question Once the root canal treatment has been completed you will referred back to your dentist for definitive restoration of the tooth. Often a tooth that has been root treated will have a large filling or will be missing large areas of tooth. This means that the tooth may not be as strong as it once was and your dentist may recommend that a crown be placed to protect the tooth from breaking in the long term.

Question Alternatives to root canal treatment

Question There is only one viable alternative to root canal treatment and that is extraction as continuing to live with the condition will not only prove to be painful but could also result in a serious risk to your health. Extraction of the tooth would leave a space that could be filled with either a bridge, an implant or a denture.

Question Cost of treatment?

Question Usually the cost of root canal treatment is considerably less than the extraction of the tooth and subsequent replacement with an implant or a bridge.