Root Canal Treatment

We provide root canal treatment as part of our range of endodontics treatments.

What is root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is a procedure that we use to treat any infection that may have taken root at the centre of the tooth. If performed correctly, root canal treatment can help save a tooth from having to be removed.

Why do I need a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is necessary when there’s an infection of the dental pulp found at the centre of the tooth which is caused by bacteria that lives in the mouth. This can be caused by tooth decay, leaky fillings, or as a result of dental trauma through injury.

We will first perform an X-ray to determine whether the tooth has been damaged by bacteria. You may first realise you need a root canal treatment after experiencing a loose tooth, pain when eating, biting down, or chewing.

What happens during a root canal treatment?

Most root canal treatments happen over two or more appointments and are usually done under local anaesthetic. The anaesthetic will completely numb your jaw and teeth so that you won’t experience any pain.

Once your mouth is numb, we will place a thin rubber sheet inside your mouth which covers everything except the tooth we will be working on. A hole will then be made in the tooth with a drill, from which we will remove the infected pulp.

This pulp removal will be carried out using small dental instruments and a liquid to help irrigate and disinfect the tooth. Once clean, we will fill the tooth – in the first instance, this will be with a temporary filling. You will then come back to the practice so we can check the infection is completely gone, at which point we will permanently fill the tooth.

Is getting a root canal treatment painful?

You shouldn’t experience any pain when having the procedure done as you will be under local anaesthetic. Some patients do feel pain and discomfort in the hours and days after having the procedure, for which we would advise using over the counter painkillers. If the pain persists, you should contact us at Summerfield Dental Practice for further examination and treatment.