Root canal treatments are something people seem to associate with a lot of pain and discomfort, but in fact this shouldn’t be the case. This conservative dental treatment is designed to save teeth that would previously have needed extraction, and most people shouldn’t feel any more discomfort than having a filling. All our dentists in Leeds at Leeds City Dentalcare are highly experienced at carrying out a root canal therapy, and we have the very latest facilities to treat infected teeth with the minimum of fuss.

Why Might I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment is necessary if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. This is the central part of the tooth that contains all the nerves, but if it becomes exposed, either due to decay or trauma, then there is a strong possibility it could become infected. One of the earliest signs that something is amiss is noticing your tooth has begun to throb, or that it feels very painful whenever you bite or chew. At this stage your best course of action is to make an appointment with Dr David Brown or another of our dentists for a full diagnosis, even if the pain seems to subside. This is because leaving an infected tooth untreated means the nerves will eventually die, and you could be at risk of developing access underneath the affected tooth. Anyone who has ever had an abscess will tell you it can be incredibly painful, and it never happens at a convenient time.

What is involved in Root Canal Therapy?

You’ll need to visit our Leeds surgery for a full diagnosis, and we’re likely to want to take x-rays of the affected tooth so we can see exactly what’s going on. The next stage is to open up the infected tooth so the pulp can be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned. If the infection is substantial then we may place a topical medication into the cleaned out pulp chamber to help eliminate any bacteria, or we may prescribe you a course of antibiotics. Once we’re happy all the infection is cleared up then you’ll be able to have the tooth restored to full function. Sometimes we might place a post in the tooth to help give the remaining tooth structure strength before fitting a dental crown over the top. Sometimes it may only be necessary to place a filling. Although it may require several visits to our Leeds surgery for treatment to be completed, root canal therapy really is an excellent way of saving teeth. Most cases of root canal treatment are extremely successful, but occasionally the infection may recur, or the remaining tooth structure could fracture in which case the tooth will need retreating or you may need to consider another course of action.

Is There Any Way to Prevent the Need for Root Canal Therapy?

Leeds City Dentalcare always advocates preventative dental care. Visiting our dental surgery at regular intervals for checkups and professional cleanings is the best way to help prevent the need for root canal in Leeds. This is because any signs of tooth decay will be picked up quickly and can be treated by filling the tooth. Early treatment will hopefully prevent the decay from reaching the pulp area of the tooth, and will prevent the nerves from becoming infected, and you won’t have to suffer the pain of a dental abscess.