Curious about having a root canal? Your 5 FAQs answered by our Edinburgh Endodontist
It can be nothing short of frustrating and uncomfortable when you are going about your day and suddenly, you notice a toothache.
Upon a visit to your dentist, you are then told that you have a dental infection which will require a procedure which, frankly, can sound uncomfortable.
Despite the successful history of endodontics, many patients prefer to have oral extractions instead, due to a lack of information or understanding of the procedure. While this can seem ideal, extraction of a tooth that could have been restored can cause more problems than it solves, such as tooth movement, jaw bone recession and plaque accumulation.
Our Edinburgh Endodontist is here to help our more nervous patients to understand the advantages of having a root canal in Edinburgh. As our surgery’s name suggests, our team is experienced in performing basic to more complex endodontic procedures, ensuring that all of our patients leave us with healthy, restored smiles. Perfect!
As asking questions is the key to learning, our endodontists answer the most commonly asked questions about having a root canal in Edinburgh.
What is it?
In simple terms, a root canal in Edinburgh involves our team drilling into the root(s) of an infected or damaged tooth to remove the pulp and infection.
Once we have done this, your tooth is filled with a sterile filling material and the tooth is set with either a filling or crown, to ensure that the infection never reoccurs.
Why might I need it performed?
As we mentioned before, endodontics is usually performed on teeth that have been damaged or have recently been infected. Very rarely, we may offer this process to someone who has extremely sensitive teeth but has found no relief from other treatments.
Do they hurt?
In a word, no; this process should never be uncomfortable and will help to resolve any discomfort you have been experiencing thanks to an abscess.
But before we even begin the drilling process, we will make sure that the area around the affected tooth is numbed. Once the numbing agent wears off after the treatment is over, there may be a sensation which feels like bruising underneath the tooth that has been drilled. This is normal and will fade within a few days of the procedure.
If you notice any discomfort after having this treatment, or any unusual swelling, please contact our team for a follow-up appointment.
How long will the procedure take?
This will depend on the complexity, the shape of your roots and the extent of the infection.
Endodontics performed on a single-rooted tooth with a moderate infection should take about 1-2 hours to fit. With multiple roots, we will typically spread the treatment over 2 visits over 5 days.
Is there any aftercare I need to know about?
No, simply maintain good oral hygiene, attend the dentist for regular check-ups and keep an eye out for any potential issues with your canaled tooth. If you notice swelling, discomfort, sensitivity or discolouration, contact our team immediately.