There is a widespread belief that root canal treatment is a painful, terrifying dental procedure and we’re here to set the record straight and tell you the truth about root canal therapy. The reality is that this procedure has an unjustified bad name. It can, in fact, be a saviour for painful, infected teeth and make the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. If you’ve been told that you need root canal treatment or you have dental pain and are putting off going to the dentist, we can assure you that you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a general dental procedure carried out to treat an infected tooth. This course of action is usually recommended once an infection has reached the living part of the tooth known as the pulp. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels and once it becomes infected, there is a high risk of further infection, abscesses and eventual loss of the tooth. In most cases, root canal treatment can make the difference between saving and extracting a tooth.
The actual procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. Once the tooth is completely numb, your dentist will drill into the tooth to reach the root canals. They will then remove any infected and decayed tissue and ensure that the root canals are clear. The root canals will be filled with gutta percha to seal them and prevent infection from spreading. After this, a new crown may be fitted to strengthen the tooth. After root canal treatment, you may experience very mild discomfort once the effects of the anaesthetic start to wear off, but this should only be temporary and you can use over the counter pain relief.
We understand that many dental patients feel nervous, especially when faced with a procedure such as root canal treatment, and we have a range of techniques and the latest technology on offer to help anxious patients to feel more relaxed and ensure that treatment is as painless and comfortable as possible. If you do suffer from dental phobia or anxiety, please do not hesitate to tell your dentist. They will go out of their way to reassure you and help you to feel calm and safe.
Tags: dental treatment Liverpool, root canal surgery, Root canal treatment, Root canal treatment Liverpool
