General Treatments

Root canal treatments are designed to remove infection found at the very root of the tooth. Within every tooth is a nerve chamber and a blood supply in the root canal. In a healthy tooth, these nerves will be alive. Front teeth will normally have one root holding them in the jaw bone, but back teeth can have two, three or four. As with other endodontic treatments, root canal treatments treat what we often refer to as the ‘dental pulp’, i.e. the interior of the tooth.

We will recommend a root canal treatment if the dental pulp in a tooth has become infected or inflamed and is beyond repair through other forms of treatment. The most common causes of this are decay and injury, but it can also be caused by a leaking filling. If a large cavity in a tooth reaches the nerve chamber, or if a tooth breaks, bacteria can cause the nerves to die. The root canals can become infected and an abscess may form beneath the root(s) of the tooth, in the jawbone. Pain (occasionally severe) may occur at any time during this process, and the infection can spread.

An infection or inflammation at the root of the tooth can cause an increase in sensitivity, as well as pain when chewing or biting down. In some cases, you might also have a loose tooth or even an abscess. With regular dental exams with our team at Elegance Dental, we will hopefully be able to diagnose the need for a root canal treatment without you having to experience any of these uncomfortable symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned here, however, then we recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible.

The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria or dying tissue from inside the tooth and to clean and disinfect the root canals. We start with a local anaesthetic to ensure you're pain-free. The procedure involves cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, removing any infection, and sealing the canals to prevent re-infection. A crown may be applied to restore full function, and healing typically begins once the canals are sealed. It will then be filled in with a rubber-type material to help stop the infection from occurring again. At this point, we might also apply a crown in order to return the tooth to full function. To aid the instrumentation of these intricate channels to the tooth, magnification may be used and, if possible, the tooth will usually be isolated to keep the area dry and clear. Once clean, the canals are filled to seal them off from re-infection. In most cases, infections will start to heal at this point. Most treatments are completed in one visit, although there are some instances where two or three appointments might be necessary to successfully complete the treatment. 

The treatment aims to remove bacteria or dying tissue from inside the tooth and thoroughly disinfect the root canals. We begin with a local anaesthetic to ensure you're pain-free. The procedure involves cleaning and disinfecting the canals, removing any infection. Magnification may be used for precision, and the tooth is typically isolated to keep the area dry.  Sealing them with a rubber-like material to prevent re-infection. To restore full function, a crown may be applied. Most treatments are completed in one visit, though some may require two or three appointments. Healing usually begins once the canals are sealed.

Treatment is usually carried out over one or two visits. The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria or dying tissue from inside the tooth and to clean and disinfect the root canals. This is achieved by making a small hole through the tooth into the nerve chamber, locating and measuring the root canals, then cleaning and widening them using fine instruments. Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure to avoid any discomfort. To aid the instrumentation of these intricate channels to the tooth, magnification may be used and, if possible, the tooth will usually be isolated to keep the area dry and clear. Once clean, the canals are filled to seal them off from re-infection. In most cases, infections will start to heal at this point.

In most cases, the treatment occurs over a single appointment, although there are some instances where two or three appointments might be necessary to successfully complete the treatment. In all cases, we’ll apply a local anaesthetic at the start of the treatment so you stay awake and aware, but don’t feel anything. Then, we’ll clean the canals, remove any infection that is present, and thoroughly clean the tooth. It will then be filled in with a rubber-type material to help stop the infection from occurring again. At this point, we might also apply a crown in order to return the tooth to full function.

No. Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure, and every possible step is taken to ensure that you are comfortable while the work is carried out. Following treatment, you will be informed of the possibility of discomfort from the area. This is usually minor, and does not last long.

Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, the procedure will take 30-60 minutes. If the treatment is on a tooth with multiple roots, it could take up to an hour and a half. This can vary according to the complexity of the root canals, the presence of infection, or if re-treatment is being carried out. Sometimes treatment can be carried out in one session lasting between one to two hours. Although further treatment may be required if the canals are infected, or are being retreated.