Root Canal Treatment

With root canal treatments, our highly trained team at Mere Dentistry can help restore a tooth to full function, and leave our patients smiling happily again.

Root canal treatments are used to treat infection at the root/interior of the tooth and can restore a tooth to full function again. Causing great pain and sensitivity for the patient, infection of the dental pulp is a serious condition that if left untreated can lead to abscesses, a loose tooth, and eventually, tooth loss or the need for an extraction.

What causes the dental pulp to become infected?

Dental pulp infection is normally a result of fairly advanced decay, but it can also be caused by a leaky filling or an injury to the face.

What are the symptoms?

• A dull, constant ache or throbbing.
• Increased sensitivity.
• Pain when chewing or biting down.
• A loose tooth.
• An abscess.

What is the treatment process like?

In most cases, root canal treatments can be provided in just one appointment. In cases of longstanding or advanced infections, a second visit to the practice may be necessary to ensure the infection has been completely removed before we apply the root filling. This does not affect the cost of the treatment, and is determined on a patient-by-patient basis.

The majority of root canal treatments are completed in the following steps:

• First, we’ll apply a numbing cream before using local anaesthetic, so you don’t feel a thing.
• We’ll thoroughly clean the root canals and remove infection.
• We’ll fill in the tooth with a rubber-type material that stops infection and protects the tooth.

In some cases, we may also need to apply a crown, so that the tooth can be restored to full function.

Will it be painful?

We’ll first administer local anaesthetic so you don’t have to worry about any pain. You may experience some pain and discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off, but this can be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen. If this pain continues for several days, then you should get in contact with us here at the practice.

• Interested in learning more? Our team are on hand to help answer any questions you may have about root canal treatments or to simply help you book an appointment.