
An Overview of Tooth Structure:
A tooth comprises three main parts:
- Enamel: The hard, outer coating of the tooth.
- Dentine: A bone-like yet softer layer that supports the enamel.
- Pulp: The innermost, soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves.

What is Root Canal Treatment?
For a tooth abscess or infection, MD.co.uk can put you in touch with the top endodontists near you for root canal treatment. By removing infected tissue, this process keeps teeth in place until the time comes for them to be lost. Dentists use advanced fibre optic lights and magnified surgical loupes for clear visibility of small root canal openings.
For the procedure, the area is numbed with anaesthetic, for comfort, and a rubber dam is placed to isolate the tooth and keep it dry, sterile and free from the contamination of saliva. Flexible titanium Protaper files sculpt the canals, reducing the chances of breaking them, and eliminating cross-contamination. Using devices such as electronic apex locators, the length of the canals is precisely measured, and the canals are washed with potent disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite or, occasionally, iodine.
Specialised equipment aids the precise placement of filling materials. The more sophisticated devices, such as the HotShot and the HotTip, seal as effectively as possible because they can get into the tight canals, and that minimises the chance of reinfection.
Root Canal Treatment Approach with MD.co.uk
The pulp of the tooth attaches to jawbone and gum. If the pulp becomes infected, bacteria can travel to the root canals, causing painful abscesses or even periodontal disease. Root canal therapy is a highly structured attempt at tooth salvage, involving the removal of infected pulp, disinfection of the canal system, and obturation (sealing) of the canal with artificial materials.
Does Root Canal Treatment Cause Pain?
While root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, an experienced endodontist can make the experience almost painless. The use of such sophisticated techniques, including sodium hypochlorite, electronic apex locators, and Protaper files, makes it more comfortable and effective. If you’re concerned about the procedure, a consultation with your dentist can provide reassurance and detailed insights into each step.
Root Canal Specialists at MD.co.uk
MD.co.uk connects you with highly qualified root canal specialists near you. These endodontists are trained and qualified to perform these complex root canal therapies very accurately and gently. A retreatment has a much lower success rate than a first-time root canal, so it's important to select a specialist with experience.
When Might You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is required when the soft tissue of a tooth is inflamed or infected. Common symptoms include:
- Severe toothache: Persistent pain, especially during chewing or pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity: Persistent pain in response to heat or cold, even after the source has been removed.
- Gum swelling: Tenderness or swelling around the affected tooth.
- Tooth discolouration: Darkening of the infected tooth.
- Gum pimples: Nodules or bumps on the gum surrounding the infected site.
- Tenderness: Pain in the surrounding bone or lymph nodes.
- Abscess: A pus-filled swelling at the root of the tooth.
- Bad breath: Prolonged bad taste or odour in the mouth.
- Radiating pain: Pain extending to the ear, jaw, or head.
- Loose tooth: Loosening of the affected tooth.
Root Canal Procedure at MD.co.uk Partner Clinics
The root canal is usually done in stages:
Preparing the Tooth
The dentist numbs the area with local anaesthesia and places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it sterile.
Removing Old Fillings
Any fillings or crowns that are present are pulled out so the remaining tooth structure can be measured. The treatment might require a new filling or crown.
Cleaning the Root Canal
The dentist opens the root canal, cleans it out, and irrigates the canals with antibacterial solutions.
Filling the Root Canals
After cleaning the canals, they are packed with a special substance to seal and protect the tooth. Radiography can be used to ensure that all canals are filled correctly.
Final Filling or Temporary Crown
Often, a temporary crown is used to cover the tooth and keep bacteria from returning to what has already been treated.

When scheduling your treatment, ensure the following:
- Use of rubber dams for a sterile environment.
- Availability of electronic apex locators for accurate canal measurement.
- Local anaesthesia for a pain-free experience.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Use of Protaper files for effective canal shaping.
- Discarded files to prevent cross-infection.
- The use of potent disinfectants, and obturation instruments to achieve excellent success rates.
- Limited radiographic exposure for safety.
Root canal treatment is an advanced dental procedure that preserves the tooth and alleviates pain from infection. MD.co.uk connects you with the best endodontists near you to ensure you receive the best possible standard of care and treatment. Take the next step and schedule your consultation today!
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