Without root canal treatment, tooth extraction is the only way to remove an infection, which can have long-term consequences for your oral health – like shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration and a sunken complexion. However, despite the benefits, some patients still feel hesitant about this procedure because they worry that it’s painful. So, let’s take a closer look at this often-misunderstood procedure and explore why it’s important to consider root canal treatment as a viable option for saving your smile.
Here’s the truth: an infected tooth is far more painful than the procedure itself. Root canal treatment is designed to treat an infection that – if left untreated – could spread into your jawbone and even to other parts of the body, causing more pain and complications in the long run.
Our patients frequently report feeling relief from their infection after undergoing root canal treatment. Any residual discomfort after the procedure is often manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and typically subsides within a few days. This improved experience is partly due to modern local anaesthetics, which are now more effective at numbing the affected area and providing a pain-free experience. Plus, improved dental tools and techniques mean that the infected pulp can be removed with greater precision and speed, minimising the risk of discomfort and lengthy procedures.
Root canal treatment is a specialised, highly technical procedure which requires skill and experience to achieve the most reliable results. Alison Warneken has concentrated her career on this service, having studied for a Master’s Degree qualification specifically in root canals (known as “Endodontics”). For ten years, Alison has been treating root canals at Park Dental Care.
What to Expect from a Root Canal?
We will first numb the affected area before creating a small opening to access the tooth’s internal “pulp” chamber. After removing the infected pulp, we’ll thoroughly clean the chamber and seal it with a temporary filling until the infection is controlled.
Since root canals are typically a two-visit process, you’ll need to return for a follow-up appointment to ensure that it is appropriate to complete the process. At this point, we’ll fill the empty chamber with a special material known as “gutta-percha” (a biologically rubber-like sealant) and secure the tooth with a permanent filling or crown.
After a root canal, your tooth should function just as it did before, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods and drinks while sporting your natural smile. In severe cases where the infection has caused extensive damage to the tooth, extraction may be the only viable option. If that’s the case, we’ll work with you to identify the best tooth replacement options based on your lifestyle, budget and cosmetic goals.
Final Thoughts
For most people, root canals are now a painless experience, enabling us to treat an infected tooth and preserve your natural smile. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swollen gums, pus secretion, tooth darkening or a bad taste in your mouth, you may have a tooth infection. We highly recommend contacting our Nottingham practice as soon as possible. Early intervention really is key to saving a tooth without resorting to extraction. Contact our practice in Nottingham for expert root canal treatment by calling our lovely team at 0115 910 1447.
