Root canal treatments – also known as endodontics – are carried out to save a tooth from infection of the dental pulp. This ‘pulp’ is the soft tissue inside the tooth containing the nerves and blood vessels. When the dental pulp becomes infected the long-term health of the tooth – and the rest of the mouth – is put at risk, with abscesses and tooth extraction the result if left untreated.

Root canal treatments are usually necessary due to infection that has been caused by tooth decay. In some cases, they may be necessary as a result of injury, trauma to the face, or a leaky amalgam filling. Infection happens in the dental pulp when it becomes exposed to bacteria from decay or saliva that has leaked inside the tooth. This results in infection at the tip of the root, eventually causing the bone supporting the tooth to be destroyed, resulting in pain and swelling around the tooth.

• Toothache.
• Difficulty eating or chewing.
• Increased sensitivity.
• Unusual discolouration of the tooth.
• Abscess in advanced cases.

Root canal treatments have fairly predictable outcomes and a success rate of 90-95%, making them one of the most successful dental treatments available when performed properly. Of course, success is never guaranteed, but even in cases of a failed root canal treatment, our in-practice specialist Dr O’Connor should be able to help.

When treating a tooth with infected dental pulp, the only alternative to a root canal treatment is extraction. At Wine Street Dental Practice, we try to avoid extraction wherever possible, and to maintain the health of the natural tooth, although we are always happy to talk through all your options with you at a consultation.

Whether or not we need to place a crown will depend on how much of the natural tooth’s structure remains after the treatment and is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. We’ll also take into consideration the type of tooth being treated, meaning how much chewing the tooth is responsible for and what type of chewing force it’ll be subject to. If we think the tooth has been weakened too much, or there is not enough natural tooth left to support proper function, then we will advise the placement of a crown. This will prevent further fractures from occurring and help protect the remaining tooth.

We understand that for some patients, the prospect of a root canal treatment can be worrying or daunting. Historically, they have had something of a ‘bad’ reputation, but thanks to modern techniques, and cutting-edge technology, not to mention our in-house endodontics specialist Dr O’Connor, our patients at Wine Street Dental Practice have nothing to worry about. Using microscopic technology, Dr O’Connor is able to ensure a level of accuracy and precision during the treatment that is unavailable using other techniques.

• Allows for a greater level of accuracy.
• The increased success rate of the treatment.
• Ensures all the smallest details of the root canal are discovered during treatment.
• Reduces risk of tooth fractures and fissures.
• Allows the root canal to be precisely cleaned and filled.
• Aids in diagnosis and in the development of each individual patient’s treatment plan.

Your root canal treatment will take place in several stages:

1. We’ll administer a local anaesthetic, so you don’t feel anything at the site of the area being treated.
2. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, we’ll isolate the tooth in question with a rubber dam, and proceed to remove the dead tissue present.
3. We’ll clean the canal as well as shape and sterilise it before sealing the tooth up with root filling material.
4. In some cases, patients may also receive a crown at this point in order to restore the tooth to full function – this will depend on the extent of the damage present at the start of the treatment.

When performing the treatment, you’ll be under anaesthetic the whole time and our team will make sure you’re comfortable throughout. After the treatment, it is normal to experience some pain at the site that has been treated. We usually advise taking a painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to treat this – they can even be taken before the treatment takes place, as this has been shown to have a greater effect once the anaesthetic wears off.