Endodontic treatment (also known as root canal treatment) is a means of saving a tooth that may be damaged by fracture, infection or decay. The purpose is to restore the tooth and surrounding tissues to health, relieving both dental pain and infection.
Without root canal treatment the only other alternative is to have the infected tooth removed, and so replace it with either an implant, a fixed bridge or a removable denture. None of these alternatives is anywhere near as effective as being able to actually keep the original tooth.
Symptoms to look out for
- Pain and an increased sensitivity to hot or cold.
- If your root or nerves have died then the tooth may become discoloured and the gum may swell and feel sore.
- Some people notice a metallic taste in the mouth.
- Occasionally though there are no symptoms at all and that’s why it’s important to have your teeth looked at if you have any concerns.
Benefits of root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is a safe way of saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It’s a painless procedure that can save badly infected roots and you’re much better off having it done while there’s still time to save your tooth.
- You get to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost through infection.
- It doesn’t hurt.
- Afterwards your tooth will feel the same as normal.
- By saving your tooth and stopping the spread of infection you’re protecting the rest of your teeth and gums and improving the chances of keeping all your natural teeth for life.
Not only is Endodontic treatment often the best option, it is also an extremely cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp. Indeed it is usually less expensive than tooth extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant. Endodontic treatment at Mansion House Dental Practice also has a very high success rate, with many root canal treated teeth lasting a full lifetime after the procedure.
