What is a root canal? A guide from our dentist

Most people who have suffered from a dental abscess can attest to the fact that it is, to say the least, a very uncomfortable experience.

And if you have ever had a dental abscess, or are currently having one (sorry!), then you will have undoubtedly spoken to a member of our dental team about it. And depending on the condition of the tooth, we will suggest one of two options. If the tooth has degenerated from decay, we will likely recommend extraction. But if the tooth appears to be healthy and can be saved, we will recommend a root canal.

At Widnes Dental Practice, we are exceedingly proud of our general dental services, and our dentist in Widnes will always be happy to provide emergency care to those suffering from an abscess or those who need follow-up treatments like root canals. And, of course, we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about any treatment that we recommend.

So, with that in mind, in this article, our dentist in Widnes provides a guide to root canals, so you can learn more about the process and see that it isn’t really something to avoid!

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal is also known as an endodontic treatment, which means below the tooth.

If our dentist in Widnes is trying to save a tooth that has sustained an infection, provided the tooth is in good condition, this is likely to be the option that they will use. It aims to remove the infected pulp or debris from inside the tooth, save it, and prevent the infection from spreading, particularly to the nearby tissue and bone.

The procedure

This is what most people have concerns about, although having a root canal is not as bad as many people think.

It involves a member of our team drilling a small hole in the surface of the tooth that extends down to the root. Once there, our team will use a set of special brushes to remove the infected debris. When the root is clean, we will then fill the tooth with a substance called gutta-percha, which will prevent any bacteria from gaining access to the root again. The tooth is then topped with either a filling or crown, and the treatment is complete.

Aftercare

Root canals, while they may sound invasive, do not require any specialised aftercare. Although the area around the tooth and underneath it may feel a bit bruised for a few days after the root canal has been performed. If you notice extensive discomfort following a root canal, call our team.

Longevity

Because it is underneath the tooth, a root canal is not as susceptible to the pressures of the inner mouth, especially when compared to fillings or crowns. However, in order to maintain your root canal, you will need to ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day, floss between them, and attend biannual check-ups with our team. This will help to keep the tooth healthy and will prevent any future issues with the root canal.