Root Canal Therapy

Time for a root canal?

The term “root canal” tends to conjure up sensations of anxiety, fear and even panic in some individuals. These procedures have been unfairly linked to archaic techniques and it is not uncommon for those who are suffering from severe oral pain to put off a trip to the dentist for an extraordinarily long period of time. Unfortunately, this will only make things worse.

One of the best ways to ensure that your teeth remain strong and healthy is to schedule an examination as soon as possible. So, let us first dispel some common myths associated with root canals as well as some of the symptoms which could indicate that such a procedure is warranted.

Root Canal Myths Busted

Perhaps the most pervasive false belief is that a root canal procedure is painful. On the contrary, the dentist will apply a local anaesthetic before the procedure even begins. This is why the majority of patients feel that a root canal is just as simple as having a cavity filled.

A second myth is the belief that it will take weeks to heal from this procedure. In fact, most people will be back to normal within a few days if they follow the recommended guidelines.

When Might Tooth Pain Signal Something More Serious?

There are several signs which could indicate that a more in-depth procedure is warranted. One of the most common involves an intense pain that feels much different from a cavity. This pain may linger for hours and it can sometimes radiate to adjacent teeth. There are also times when a tooth may become extremely sensitive to hot or cold substances. These could all indicate a problem with the root of a tooth.

You might also begin to notice localised swelling around the source of the pain. This can be the result of an infection that has begun at the root of one or more teeth. Sometimes known as an abscess, these lumps can be painful to the touch and at times, they could even run down the jaw. If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Tooth discolouration is another warning sign that an underlying problem is present. Changes in colour could indicate issues within the pulp of a tooth. In some cases, the tooth may even appear to turn cark grey or black. This may signal that the nerve within the tooth has died and requires an extraction. The good news is that you can keep the tooth even if its nerve has been removed.

Sooner as Opposed to Later

We can now see that tooth pain is certainly no laughing matter. Even minor discomfort should be diagnosed by a professional. In some cases, a small issue may be able to be treated before it evolves into a more extensive problem. The bottom line is that the best way to maintain a bright smile is to properly care for your teeth on a daily basis. And see your dentist at the first sign of tooth pain, to avoid complications.

How your dentist can save an infected tooth

When a dentist utters those three little words, “root canal treatment”, even the bravest of patients can feel a quiver of anxiety. However, at Danny de Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, we are keen to point out that thanks to advances in modern dental techniques, the procedure is pain-free. It is also essential to saving an infected tooth.
root-canal-therapy Good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are the best way to avoid tooth infection happening in the first place. However, when teeth do get infected, it is important to act quickly.
Infection of the pulp of the tooth (nerves and blood vessels) can spread through the root canal if not treated promptly. This can lead to a lot of pain, a dental abscess, and ultimately to tooth loss. Teeth can become infected through dental decay as well as through accidental injuries – chips and cracks. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist even for a tiny chip or crack, because this can be enough to let bacteria enter your tooth and cause it to become infected.
If your tooth has suffered a bad break, you should contact our Weybridge dental practice for an emergency dental appointment. When infection causes a lot of pain or a swollen dental abscess, this can necessitate a visit to the emergency dentist, too.
Weybridge root canal treatment
Most courses of root canal treatment require at least two appointments with your Weybridge dentist. It is a skilled, delicate and time-consuming procedure, and whilst it should feel no different to having a normal filling, you are likely to be in the dentist’s chair for longer.
At your first appointment your dentist will use special tools to cleanse the tooth of infection and remove any decayed or damaged areas. A temporary filling will then be placed and your tooth will be left to settle.
When you are called back to our Weybridge clinic for a second appointment, your dentist will first check that all traces of infection have gone before permanently filling your tooth. In many cases after root canal treatment it is necessary to place a crown to give extra strength to the tooth.

Why your dentist will prescribe root canal treatment

Your dentist will recommend root canal treatment to cure your tooth of infection – and prevent you from losing it. At Danny De Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, our skilled team will always work to preserve your natural teeth wherever possible.
root-canal-treatment-danny Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is one of those procedures that has a bad reputation. Even the bravest of patients may quake in their boots when they hear those three little words “root canal treatment”, but in reality this procedure is nothing to be scared of, and can in fact be essential to saving an infected tooth.
Teeth become infected through decay, accident and injury, which is why you should always get even minor cracks in a tooth seen to by a dentist as a matter of urgency. If your tooth does get infected, root canal treatment is necessary to clear out all traces of this infection. This is a skilled and time-consuming procedure, which may require more than one appointment. Your tooth will then be filled and you may also be fitted with a crown for additional strength.

Ask a dentist: what is root canal therapy and why do I need it?

Your dentist will recommend root canal therapy if the nerve or pulp at the centre of your tooth becomes infected. At Danny De Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, we have carried out scores of successful root canal procedures, and in the process helped countless patients to retain their natural teeth.
Root canal therapy is a procedure that seems to make many patients anxious. However, when carried out by a skilled and caring dentist, it is nothing to be scared of, and is often essential in preserving your tooth: without it, the tooth may have to be extracted.
The pulp or nerve at the centre of the tooth can become infected through dental decay or through injury to the teeth. Even a small chip or crack in the tooth can lead to an infection developing, which is why it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible even for minor cracks and chips. We offer emergency dental appointments at our Weybridge practice, and encourage all patients who have experienced trauma to the teeth or mouth to come in and see us as soon as they can.
What the procedure involves
If the tooth becomes infected, the first symptom is often pain, with or without a dental abscess (a painful swelling). When your dentist decides you need root canal therapy, they will use special instruments to carefully clean out the root canal system, removing all traces of infection.
This is a skilled and delicate procedure, so usually requires more than one appointment. Contrary to popular belief, it should feel no different to having a standard filling, although the appointment will be longer. At our Weybridge practice we are proud to practice pain free dentistry, so with local anaesthetic you should experience no discomfort.
Your tooth will be temporarily filled and you will be called back for a second appointment to check all infection has cleared before it is permanently filled. A crown may be added to give your tooth additional strength.

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