Dental Implants, All on 4 in Co Louth, Ireland - Maxillo Dundalk, Maxillo Dental, Dundalk, Co Louth

Root canal treatment benefits patients by preserving the natural tooth structure, preventing tooth loss and unsightly gaps between teeth.

When is Root Canal Treatment needed?

Inner tooth pulp, sometimes referred to as “the nerve”, is at risk of becoming inflamed and infected due to:

Tooth decay.
Deep or large teeth fillings.
Over-filled teeth.
Crown or filling leakage.
Dental trauma caused by accidents or injuries.
Tooth fractures, cracks or breaks.

The inner tooth pulp cells may die and infection can spread through the root canals.
To prevent such pulp inflammation and remove infection, root canal treatment, filling and sealing is necessary.
If left untreated nerve damage may occur, resulting in tooth and bone loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of inner tooth pulp inflammation or infection?

Inflamed or infected tooth pulp may present as tooth sensitivity, tooth pain or discomfort. These symptoms may occur when experiencing hot or cold temperatures, while eating or breathing, when eating sweets, or when biting the upper and lower teeth together.
This can be an indicator of potential tooth decay near the dental nerve, which may accelerate into painful toothache. Early intervention prevents oral pain, the spread of infection and disease, and may actually save a tooth in the long run.

What does root canal treatment involve?

Root canal treatment involves providing:
Local anaesthetic to numb the treatment site.
Rubber dam placement where inflammation or infection is present.
Tooth dimensions and measurements from X-rays and imaging.
Cleansing for infection-free reshaping of the root canal.
Rubber root canal filler and sealer into the reshaped root canal.

How long does root canal treatment take?

Treatment time can vary according to the number of root canals needing treatment.
Treatment duration may extend from one to two hours.
Individuals requiring root canal treatment need to be committed to saving their tooth for the preservation of existing tooth structure.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Patients experience some tenderness and discomfort around the treatment site as healing progresses.
The discomfort gradually subsides and so does the pain initially felt prior to treatment.
You may be prescribed with anti-inflammatory medication to reduce post-treatment discomfort.
Patients should immediately contact the clinic if symptoms continue or become severe.

What can be expected after root canal treatment?

Tooth sensitivity, discomfort and pain subside once the inflamed or infected dental pulp is removed. Temperature changes while eating or breathing should no longer cause tooth sensitivity. Root canal treatment replaces the pulp with filler and seals the treatment site, protecting the tooth structure and existing dental health. Teeth located at the rear of the mouth may require a dental crown for stronger tooth structure, particularly for normal chewing activity. Front teeth may be restored with white composite fillings or a dental crown after root canal treatment. Discoloured or stained front teeth may also be whitened.