Need-to-knows about root canals
It’s normal to feel anxious when you’re told by your dentist in West Byfleet that you need a root canal. It’s a serious tooth-saving procedure.
That said, millions of patients have undergone this very procedure to relieve pain and restore their oral health without permanent side effects.
Our team of endodontists at Byfleet Dental are equipped to administer endodontic treatments quickly and successfully. Read on to find out what a root canal entails.
Why do I need a root canal?
The pulp of one or more of your pearly white is infected. This infection may be caused by dental decay or the result of an injury. If we don’t remove the pulp, the infection may spread and a painful abscess might develop.
What are the signs of unhealthy pulp?
The below symptoms are indicative of a dental problem that requires prompt dental care:
● Painful chewing or biting
● Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, long after the source is taken away
● Pimples on your gums
● Cracked or chipped teeth
● Swollen or dark gums (a visible sign of decay)
What can I expect on the day?
Most individuals are terrified by the thought of root canals at the dentist in West Byfleet. While the treatment is crucial to preserving your tooth and requires the utmost precision and skill to perform, there really is nothing to fear.
Some patients liken the experience to a filling or having a wisdom tooth removed. It’s a quick process that takes place over one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection.
The procedure is performed in three stages
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We administer an anaesthetic, ensuring you feel no extreme discomfort or pain during the operation.
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Using a drill, we prepare the site, providing an access point from which we’ll remove the pulp.
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We remove all the pulp and proceed to clean and disinfect the area.
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We close the site with a specialised sealant.
Will I experience side effects?
You will feel numbness during the procedure, a sensation which lasts from two to four hours. You might also experience discomfort during recovery.
If you experience intolerable pain, call us immediately for help and assistance.
Can I go back to work or school after the procedure?
While you can perform your everyday activities following your time with us at the dentist in West Byfleet, we advised not to.
You’ll feel numbness for a couple of hours, which will likely make talking difficult and conducting presentations even more so. Work luncheons won’t be possible because you shouldn’t eat until the anaesthetic wears off.
Don’t my teeth need pulp?
The pulp is the soft tissue of your tooth, which you’ll need during development. As a child, this pulp is fundamental for the healthy growth and functioning of your pearly whites.
However, pulp plays no role in fully developed teeth. Your teeth don’t need the pulp to survive.
What are the advantages of sporting a pulpless tooth?
There are only advantages to having this procedure! For one, by removing the pulp, you won’t have to extract your natural tooth.
Other advantages relate to improving your quality of life. You can now bite and chew without experiencing pain and boast a natural facial appearance.