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Root Canal Therapy in Bath

"I would highly recommend The Dental Implant Clinic to anyone needing specialist dental care. My root canal treatment with Leoni and replacement crown treatment with Libby have been excellent and I'm really pleased with the results. The highly professional and reassuring care I received from Leoni & Libby, and my treatment coordinator Hayley, made a stressful time a lot less stressful. All the reception team are very helpful and friendly."
S.W
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Root Canal Treatments and Endodontics at our Bath Clinic

Although we are a predominantly implant practice, this does not deter us from viewing each tooth carefully and, in discussion with you, trying to save it if possible. In the vast majority of the cases, root canal treatment will prolong the life of a tooth by many years, so get in touch today to see how we can help you.

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Endodontics

Our philosophy is to save teeth wherever possible

Although we are a predominantly implant practice, this does not deter us from viewing each tooth carefully and, in discussion with you, trying to save it if possible. As the root canal treatment inevitably weakens the tooth to an extent, most teeth (mainly the back teeth) will require coverage with a partial or full crown after endodontic treatment. In the vast majority of the cases root canal treatment will prolong the life of a tooth by many years.

What is endodontics?

Another name for endodontics is root canal treatment. Sometimes the nerve and blood vessels inside a tooth may die and become infected. This can happen if a tooth has had decay, advanced gum disease, has cracked, or been knocked. Often an infected tooth can be saved by carefully removing the infection from inside a tooth. This is endodontics/root canal treatment.

A previously root-filled tooth can also sustain an infection, which can often be addressed by re-cleaning and re-filling the root canal of the tooth. This is root canal re-treatment.

In case implants are going to be placed, any root canal infections should be treated beforehand, because an infected adjacent tooth may jeopardise an adjacent implant.

What are the symptoms of an infected tooth with a dental abscess?

Some of the common symptoms include:

  • A tenderness in pressing the gum above a tooth.
  • Teeth with large, deep fillings or crowns are much more likely to develop dental abscesses than un-filled teeth.
  • However, many dental abscesses are pain free until they are very big. Your dentist can often spot an abscess before it becomes painful if an X-ray of the tooth is taken.
  • Pain to bite on the tooth.
  • A lingering pain, particularly after eating or drinking something hot.
  • A spontaneous throbbing pain which is worse at night.
  • A spot on the gum above the abscessed tooth, where the infection is discharging.

Apicectomy

An apicectomy is a minor surgical procedure used to treat an infection at the tip of a tooth root when standard root canal treatment alone is not enough. It helps save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.

Here’s how it works:

  • The gum is gently lifted to access the root of the tooth.
  • The very tip of the root, along with any infected tissue, is carefully removed.
  • A small filling is placed at the end of the root to seal it and prevent reinfection.
  • The gum is then stitched back into place and left to heal.

This treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, and sedation can also be provided for patients who feel nervous. Healing is usually straightforward, and the tooth can continue to function for many years afterwards.

Root Canal Therapy FAQs

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to save an infected or decayed tooth. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then sealing it to prevent further infection.

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected or damaged. This can happen due to untreated cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss.

Some common signs that you may need a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling and tenderness around the tooth, darkening of the tooth, and a recurring pimple on the gums. However, only a dentist can determine if a root canal is necessary after conducting a thorough examination.

Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not as painful as people think. With modern advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will also prescribe medication to alleviate any post-operative pain or discomfort.
The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case. On average, it takes one to two appointments to complete a root canal. The first appointment typically involves cleaning out the infected pulp and applying medication. The second appointment focuses on sealing the root canal and placing a dental crown or filling on the tooth.
While root canal therapy is a highly successful procedure, there is a slight chance of failure. It can occur if the tooth was not properly cleaned and disinfected, the canals were not thoroughly sealed, or if a new infection develops. In such cases, retreatment or an apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root, may be necessary.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. However, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, to ensure the longevity of the restored tooth.
The only alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction. However, extracting a tooth should be considered a last resort, as it can lead to other problems such as shifting of teeth, difficulty chewing, and loss of bone in the jaw. It is generally recommended to save the natural tooth whenever possible.
Generally, you should be able to drive home after a root canal procedure. However, if you received sedation or anesthesia during the treatment, you may feel lightheaded or drowsy afterwards. In such cases, it is best to have someone accompany you or arrange for transportation.
After a root canal, it is best to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent filling or dental crown is placed. This is to prevent any damage to the tooth. However, you can typically resume your regular diet once the tooth is fully restored.
Yes, root canal therapy is a safe and common dental procedure. Dentists are trained and experienced in performing root canals, ensuring patient safety and comfort. By addressing the underlying infection and preserving the natural tooth, root canal therapy can help restore oral health and function.

No, root canal therapy can be performed on children as well. Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, play a crucial role in the development of permanent teeth and should be preserved whenever possible. Your dentist will determine if root canal therapy is suitable for your child based on their specific case.

In conclusion, root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment for saving infected or damaged teeth. With the use of modern dental techniques, the procedure has become relatively painless. If you experience tooth pain or other symptoms, it is essential to consult with a dentist, who can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment option for your specific dental needs.

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