Few dental treatments carry quite as much reputation as root canal treatment. Many patients look worried as soon as the words are mentioned. Some say that they have heard frightening stories from friends or seen dramatic portrayals on television. Others have delayed coming in because they were hoping the problem might settle on its own.
As dentists, we understand that root canal procedures can sound intimidating. It involves working inside the tooth, and for many people that alone sounds uncomfortable. The reality, however, is very different from the fear that surrounds it. Modern root canal treatment is a precise, carefully planned procedure designed to relieve pain, not cause it. In this article, our Bromley dentists explain what the treatment involves, why it is sometimes necessary, and how patients can feel more comfortable about the process.
Inside every tooth there is a small space called the pulp chamber. This area contains nerves and blood vessels that help a tooth develop when we are younger. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, however, it can cause significant pain.
Infection usually develops when bacteria reach the inner part of the tooth. This can happen because of deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks, or trauma. Sometimes the pain is obvious, but not always. Some patients notice lingering sensitivity to hot or cold. Others experience swelling, discomfort when biting, or a bad taste.
When the pulp is damaged beyond recovery, root canal treatment allows us to save the tooth rather than remove it.
Extraction can seem like an easier solution, particularly when a tooth is painful. However, preserving your natural teeth is almost always preferable where possible. Natural teeth help chewing efficiency, jaw balance and the position of surrounding teeth. Losing a tooth or teeth can result in the teeth around it ‘leaning’ into the gap and causing them, and other teeth, to gradually become crooked. Having a root canal treatment then allows the tooth to remain in place and continue functioning for many years when properly restored and cared for.
Patients often imagine something very dramatic when they hear the words ‘root canal,’ so we hope you find the straightforward explanation below to be useful.
The first part of the appointment is simply getting you comfortable. We numb the tooth thoroughly, and we do not begin until you feel that everything is properly anaesthetised. Most people are surprised at this stage because it feels no different from having a normal filling done.
Once the tooth is numb, one of our Bromley dental specialists will place a small protective sheet around it so that the area stays clean and dry. Then we create a small opening through the biting surface of the tooth. This allows us to reach the narrow spaces inside where the nerve tissue sits. The unhealthy or infected tissue is gently removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned very carefully. It is delicate work rather than dramatic work. Much of the appointment involves slow, methodical cleaning and checking.
You might hear the sound of instruments or feel a little vibration, but you should not feel pain. Some patients are surprised by how quiet and uneventful the process seems once it starts.
After the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, they are filled and sealed using a special filling material called gutta percha. This helps to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
This is the question patients ask most often and the honest answer is that modern root canal treatment should not be painful. The purpose of the procedure is to remove the source of pain, which is the infected nerve tissue.
There may be a little tenderness for a few days afterwards, particularly when chewing, but this is usually manageable with ordinary pain relief. Most patients return to normal activities very quickly.
The fear surrounding root canal treatment often comes from stories passed down from decades ago, when dental technology and anaesthesia were not as advanced as they are today. Instruments were less refined, and understanding of pain management was different.
Dentistry has changed significantly. Digital imaging, improved materials and magnification now allow treatment to be carried out with greater precision and comfort. Unfortunately, the old reputation has remained even though the experience for patients has improved enormously.
If you feel anxious, it is important to let your dentist know. Open communication makes a real difference and at our Bromley dental practice, we take time to explain each step and answer questions before we begin.
Once the treatment is complete, most people feel relief more than anything else. The deep ache that brought them in usually settles quickly because the source of the problem has been removed.
The important thing to understand is that a tooth that has had root canal treatment is still your own tooth. You can eat, brush and use it as normal once everything has settled. However, because the tooth no longer has a living nerve inside, it can be slightly more fragile over time. For that reason we often place a crown to strengthen the tooth, as this helps to protect against future fractures.
We will check your root canal treated tooth when we check the rest of your teeth during your check ups. This procedure usually enables patients to keep the tooth for another ten years or so at least. If you would like more information on root canal procedures or would like to book an appointment at the Smile Dental Practice in Bromley, please call us today on 020 8462 2473.
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