Root canal treatment is a procedure in the field of dentistry which emergency dentists and endodontists use to remove infection from your dental pulp. Untreated tooth and gum infection can lead to severe pain and even tooth damage. It is a serious dental condition where emergency care is essential to alleviate painful symptoms, and prevent the spread of infection further.
At MD.co.uk, we partner with experienced dentists and specialists who are trained in offering emergency treatments and fast relief to patients. Both new and existing patients can gain access to same day appointments at our clinics located in London.
From tooth decay to gum disease, tooth infection might occur due to a range of factors. However, wearing of our dentin layers and outer enamel largely contribute to dental infection. Incorrect brushing techniques, build-up of bacteria and plaque, sugar and acid rich foods, poor oral hygiene, oral injuries, or teeth grinding can also be responsible for causing a root canal infection.
The infection might manifest in the form of an oral abscess which radiates pain throughout your face and jaw.
Individuals can enjoy healthy gyms and teeth by maintaining good oral hygiene. Early intervention and treatment of dental infection, gum inflammation, or tooth decay can help to avoid such diseases. Professional cleaning, scaling or polishing of teeth prevents build-up of plaque or tartar in hard to reach places inside your mouth.
Dentists can also help prevent infection by filling in cavities or restoring your damaged teeth with fillings. However, untreated cavities can damage your teeth further and increase risks of dental infection. Emergency root canal treatment becomes necessary at this point to remove the infected pulp. Prevention of gum disease is equally important to avoid tooth loss.
Initially, you will experience sensitiveness with temperature changes in your teeth. Untreated infection can further lead to dental traumas and eventually risk your oral as well as overall health. The worsening of the condition leads to a throbbing toothache which does not go away even with painkillers. The pain gradually radiates to the face and jaw. It leads to deposition of pus in the infected area and formation of abscess. Symptoms like fever or headaches might occur at this stage.
Before beginning with your root canal treatment, our dentist will first explain you the steps of the treatment, underlying costs, and aftercare guidelines. Once you are ready, the dentist will put you under a local anaesthesia so you can experience a painless root canal treatment.
Next, the dentist will make a hole through your enamel to gain access to the infected pulp. The infection is then removed from your root canal with the help of dental instruments. You may require more than one dental appointment to remove the inflammation completely.
After removal of your infected pulp, it is replaced with a filling material to restore your teeth function. This dental material prevents infection by sealing your tooth. A restorative appliance such as a dental crown is then placed over your treated tooth.
Inflammation, injury, or infection of the soft inner portion of a tooth may all need a root canal treatment.
Pulpitis can be of two types – reversible and irreversible. In case of mild pulpitis, you can reverse the condition where your dental pulp can still be saved. However, you cannot save the pulp in irreversible pulpitis as it has become too severe and painful, and removal using a root canal becomes inevitable at that stage.
In order to ensure the integrity of your oral health, removal of the infected pulp is essential. It will preserve and maintain your tooth, without disturbing the main bulk of the tooth.
The best way to find out if your root canal treatment is effective is to check with an X-ray. It is best to take the X-ray before your tooth is sealed with the composite material. You can locate a successful root canal treatment by looking at the root filling material and see if it perfectly fills up to the bottom of your dental root. This eliminates any risks of infection occurring in the empty area of your root canal.
If you find a foul smell emitting from your tooth, or are concerned in any way about a past root canal treatment of yours, contact our team immediately. Our dentists will examine your condition and help you redo an effective root canal treatment in London.
We conduct your root canal treatment under local anaesthesia so that you do not experience any pain.
You might feel a little discomfort for a couple of days after your treatment. If the discomfort does not settle, then contact your dentist promptly.
As we remove the inner section of your tooth, it will definitely weaken its structure. In most cases, we reinforce your tooth with a crown.
Your treated tooth should last a long time with regular dental check-ups and a proper oral hygiene routine.
Recurrent root canal infection is quite rare. But if it comes back, you can repeat the treatment to improve your condition.