What is root canal treatment?

Endodontics, or root canal treatment, is a procedure used to treat infections within the tooth’s root canal.

It prioritises repairing damaged teeth over replacing them, offering the benefit of saving a tooth that otherwise might have had to be extracted. But who is this treatment for, and when is it needed? In this blog, we’ll look at the practice of endodontics in more detail.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

Dental infections at the centre of a tooth are caused by malign bacteria that enter the tooth, usually following decay, leaky fillings or other sustained material damage.

This type of bacteria then invades the root canal, specifically the dental pulp in the centre, causing inflammation. Symptoms include pain while eating or chewing, and shifting discomfort as the pain spreads elsewhere. This can result in pus, swelling or additional pain around the affected area.

To treat the infection in the root canal, the bacteria will need to be removed, as the infected pulp cannot self-heal and antibiotics will be ineffective. During surgery, the affected area will be numbed by a local anaesthetic before the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown.

Root canal treatment is usually painless and unproblematic as the inflamed tissue naturally heals. In around 90% of cases, a tooth can survive for up to 10 years after root canal treatment.

When to consult a dentist?

If any of your teeth are causing you discomfort, they may require urgent attention. If you are looking for root canal treatment in Chester, contact our specialist team at Art of Dental Care today to set up an appointment.