A step-by-step guide to root canals from our dentist
When you have recently had a tooth abscess, it is 100% likely that you won’t want another one!
And while you may presume that the only way a dental team can treat an abscessed tooth is to remove it, this is not the case. Of course, if the tooth is severely decayed, it may lead to it needing to be extracted, but if the tooth is in relatively good condition, then most dental surgeries will simply opt for a root canal.
While it sounds alarming, a root canal is nothing to be scared of, is not uncomfortable, will not turn your tooth black or cause your tooth to fall out!
At the Bespoke Dental Lounge, our team are experts when it comes to root canals, and our dentist Dorking will assess your suitability and will aim to get one fitted as soon as they can. It is our aim to keep your teeth in your mouth if we can, so we are big fans of root canals and endodontics!
But what happens when you have a root canal? Here is a step-by-step guide from our dentist Dorking.
Assessments and X-rays
As mentioned earlier, our dentist Dorking will first need to assess your suitability for a root canal.
To be suitable, the infected tooth cannot be too severely decayed, and any abscess that you have has to be either gone or well controlled with antibiotics.
X-rays are vital so we can see how deep and large the infection is, as well as to determine the teeth that it is impacting. This will enable us to perform the endodontic work with more precision and prevent a recurrence.
Drilling
Next, we will numb the area and begin drilling down to reach the root or pulp.
Depending on how many roots you have, this may require more than one session, but assuming that it is a single-rooted tooth, a root canal can usually be completed in a single session.
The drilling will expose the pulp, and we will gently begin removing the infected material. This is a bit fiddly, but the cleaning process is important to prevent the infection from coming back.
Filling
Once the tooth is clean, we will start filling the hole we have drilled with a rubber-like substance known as gutta-percha.
This will prevent any more bacteria from getting access to the root and add strength back to the tooth.
Once the tooth is filled, we will top it with either a filling or a crown.
Aftercare
After a root canal has been fitted, you are going to feel some pressure akin to bruising for a while afterwards. This is normal, but if it worsens, you should come back to see us as soon as you can.
You will not be able to have your teeth professionally whitened for at least a month post-root canal, as the root is still healing. Just ensure you keep up with your appointments with our team and that you continue to brush and floss your teeth.