Root canal therapy is a vital dental care treatment focused on saving a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. Often misunderstood as painful, modern techniques ensure this treatment is as comfortable as possible. Our experienced dental team is committed to restoring your oral health and alleviating pain with high precision and minimal discomfort. 

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that aims to preserve a tooth that has suffered substantial damage due to decay, disease, or injury.

This procedure removes the damaged or infected pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels. We then clean and disinfect the tooth’s inner chambers (root canals) before filling them to prevent future infections.

What are the signs I may need root canal therapy? 

You may need root canal therapy if you experience: 

• Persistent pain, especially when eating or applying pressure to the tooth.
• Lasting sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after removing the source.
• Discolouration or darkening of the tooth.
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth.
• A continuous or recurring pimple on the gums close to the affected tooth.

What does root canal therapy include?

The root canal therapy process encompasses several meticulous steps to restore the affected tooth. Initially, we will examine the tooth and likely use X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. To ensure your comfort during the procedure, local anaesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. 

A pulpectomy is then performed, where a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access and remove the infected or damaged pulp. Following this, the root canals are thoroughly cleaned, widened, and shaped to prepare them for the filling. 

The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, and sealed with the placement of a crown or filling to restore the tooth’s original shape and functionality while providing protection against future damage. 

What are the benefits of root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy offers several benefits, including saving the natural tooth, which avoids extraction. It effectively relieves symptoms of infection and pain, limits the spread of infection to other teeth, and restores normal tooth function and appearance.

Don’t let tooth pain hold you back. Contact us today to see if root canal therapy is right for you and take your first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile.