Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that is performed by an endodontist. It is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is available in many dental practices. It is used to treat infections that occur in the root canal system of the teeth. The root canal is the narrow space that is the root of the tooth. The root canal is part of this space that also contains the pulp chamber, the main canal, and a series of smaller branches that are referred to as accessory canals. The root contains the dental pulp, which is loose connective tissue that is highly vascularised.

The root canal treatment procedure involves cleaning out the root canal, disinfecting it, and then filling out the space with a special filler. Infections to the root canal are caused by a badly decayed tooth. The tooth’s nerve lies within this cavity. Many people fear that a root canal will completely damage the tooth, since the nerve supply will be cut out. This, however, is not true. An average dental practice in Essex can perform a very effective root canal treatment.

Your endodontist will remove the diseased pulp to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas such as the head, face or neck. The infection can also lead to bone loss at the root tip. Signs occurring in a patient that point out to the need for a root canal include:

• Very bad toothaches, whenever pressure is applied to the tooth or during chewing.

• Hypersensitivity to heat or cold, where this sensation persists even after the removal of the stimulus.

• Darkening and discolouration of the tooth.

• Tenderness and swelling in the gums around the teeth.

• A recurrent and persistent pimple that occurs on the gum.

Sometimes, it is necessary to visit your endodontist more than once for this procedure. This is especially true for teeth with more than one canal, or with very narrow canals that require enlarging before the dentist can effectively clean them. Once the process of cleaning is complete, the dentist will then seal off the tooth to prevent re-infection. Some dentists wait for up to one week before sealing is done. Complications can sometimes occur after root canal treatment, due to a number of reasons that include:

• A crack in the root that was not detected.

• A dental restoration that leaks, and leads to re-infection of the tooth.

• A breakdown of the sealing material with time.

Most dental practices in Essex perform this procedure.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, call Dentist Essex for a free consultation on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk