​Save Your Natural Tooth with  Root Canal Treatment

 

If you have a painful or infected tooth, root canal treatment can often save it, relieving pain and avoiding the need for extraction. At our practice, Dr Zeki has a special interest in root canal treatment and is committed to providing high-quality care using modern techniques to make treatment as comfortable and predictable as possible.

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What is Root Canal Treatment?

 

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, root canal treatment may be needed.

During treatment, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the root canals are sealed to help prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored, often with a crown, to protect it and restore its strength.

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When Might You Need a Root Canal?​

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You may benefit from root canal treatment if you experience:

• Persistent toothache

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

• Swelling or tenderness around the tooth

• A darkened or discoloured tooth

• A pimple or swelling on the gum near the affected tooth

Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, and infection is only detected during a routine examination and dental X-rays.

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What Happens During Treatment?

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Your root canal treatment is usually carried out over two appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.

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First appointment

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• A thorough examination and confirmation of the diagnosis.

• Local anaesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

• A small opening is made in the tooth to access the infected pulp.

• The root canals are carefully cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.

• In some cases, a medicated dressing is placed inside the canals before the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.

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Second appointment

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• The tooth is reassessed to ensure the infection has settled.

• The root canals are cleaned again if necessary and permanently sealed.

• The tooth is restored with a permanent filling or, where appropriate, a crown to protect and strengthen it.

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Following completion of the root canal treatment, we will usually allow the tooth to settle for a few weeks before discussing the final restoration. For many back teeth, a crown is recommended to provide additional strength and protection and help maximise the long-term success of the treatment.

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Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

 

One of the biggest myths about root canal treatment is that it is painful. In reality, modern root canal treatment is performed under effective local anaesthetic and is usually no more uncomfortable than having a routine filling.

Most patients find that treatment actually relieves the pain caused by the infection.

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Why Save Your Natural Tooth?

 

Whenever possible, keeping your natural tooth is the best option.

Benefits include:

• Relief from pain and infection

• Preservation of your natural bite

• Normal chewing and function

• Prevention of neighbouring teeth drifting

• Avoiding extraction where possible

• Long-lasting results with good oral care

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Dr Zeki's Interest in Root Canal Treatment

Dr Zeki has a particular interest in root canal treatment and enjoys treating both straightforward and more challenging cases. By taking a careful, methodical approach—typically over two appointments—Dr Zeki aims to provide treatment that is comfortable, thorough, and focused on achieving the best possible long-term outcome for every patient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

How long does root canal treatment take?

 

Root canal treatment at our practice is typically completed over two appointments. This approach allows us to thoroughly disinfect the root canal system and monitor healing before the tooth is permanently sealed. The exact number of visits will depend on the condition of the tooth and the complexity of the treatment.

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How successful is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment has a high success rate when carried out appropriately and followed by a well-fitting restoration. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help maintain the long-term health of the tooth.

What happens if I don't have treatment?

 

Without treatment, the infection may spread, causing increased pain, swelling, and eventually tooth loss. Early treatment generally offers the best chance of saving the tooth.

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Will I Need a Crown Afterwards?

 

Many teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, particularly back teeth, become more brittle over time and may be at greater risk of fracture.

For this reason, we often recommend a crown following root canal treatment. The tooth is usually allowed to settle for a few weeks before the crown is prepared, allowing us to ensure that healing is progressing as expected. We will advise you whether a crown is recommended for your individual case.

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Book a Consultation

 

If you have tooth pain, have been told you need root canal treatment, or would like a second opinion, contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation with Dr Zeki. We will assess your tooth, discuss all available treatment options, and help you make an informed decision about your dental care.

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