71 North Street- Carshalton
- SM5 2HG
71 North Street
The crown of the tooth is made up of hard, white enamel and a thicker dentine layer. These protect the innermost soft tissues of the tooth called the pulp. Dental pulp contains blood vessels and nerves within, extending from the crown to the tips of the roots.
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth, should they become infected or inflamed.
The pulp can be infected or inflamed due to:
Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration of the tooth, swelling, and tenderness of the overlying gums or a bad taste in the mouth.
Sometimes there may be no symptoms at all. However, if pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause toothache or swelling, potentially leading to the loss of the supporting bone.
We often use X-rays and dental imagery to identify the extent of any infection.
Root canal treatment can save teeth that would otherwise have been extracted.
After root canal treatment, the tooth is pulp-less, meaning it no longer has vital tissues within. However, there are still issues surrounding the root including the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone.
Having been treated, a tooth can function normally and can be maintained with routine dental care and regular oral hygiene measures.
Root canal treatment procedures are relatively comfortable as the tooth is anaesthetised and so numb during the treatment.
After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues. This discomfort can be generally relieved by taking mild analgesics or over-the-counter painkillers from the pharmacy. However, if any discomfort persists, is more severe or swelling occurs, you should contact your dentist.
