Root canal treatment is a standard procedure that can be done by us at Neel Dentistry, and it involves removing the pulp from the tooth and sealing the space with a filling. Root canals routinely save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted. Many patients have strong beliefs against root canals, so in this article, our dentist Welwyn Garden City dispels some myths.

What is root canal treatment, and why is it necessary?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected. This is usually the result of an ascending infection from an abscess beneath the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, and if it becomes infected, it can cause a lot of discomfort. The infection can also spread to the bone around the tooth. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp and seals the space with a filling; this saves the tooth from needing to be extracted.

What are the symptoms of a tooth that needs a root canal?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal.

• Severe toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli
• Teeth that are discoloured or have a bad taste
• Swollen gums

How is root canal treatment performed?

Root canal treatment is performed in 3 main stages. During the first stage, our dentist Welwyn Garden City will take x-rays of your teeth to diagnose the issue. Next comes the treatment stage, which is when our team removes the infected pulp and cleans the root canal. Finally is the post-treatment stage; during this stage, the tooth will be sealed with a filling.

What are the benefits of root canal treatment?

There are many benefits of root canal treatment. The most obvious benefit is that it can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It also helps to relieve the discomfort that can be associated with an infected tooth. Root canal treatment can also help to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or the jaw around the aching tooth.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to contact our clinic to book an appointment. Our team of experienced staff and our dentist Welwyn Garden City will be able to assess your situation and provide you with the right treatment option.

What are the risks associated?

There are a few risks associated with root canal treatment. One of the most common risks is the flare-up of the infection. Clearing a root is challenging; roots are rarely straight, and some have multiple branches, which can make treatment harder. Redoing a root canal may be necessary if the infection persists. Additional risks include root fractures, where the root is breached during the cleaning process; this can lead to the loss of the tooth. There is also a very small risk (less than 1%) of developing an infection at the site of the procedure.

With such low risks, root canal treatment is a very common and safe procedure that can save your tooth and relieve your distress. It is the approved NHS treatment for dental abscesses. There is a trend amongst anxious patients to prefer extractions to root canals, as the treatment is faster, but at Neel Dentistry, we use calmatives and sedation, making the procedure comfortable.