Root Canal Treatment

Best Root Canal Treatment in Cheadle, Manchester

At Ringway Dental, we lead with compassion and care – putting patients at ease comes naturally to us.

Our experienced dentists understand that root canal treatment can be a daunting prospect for some patients, which is why it’s our aim to make you feel comfortable and confident. When you receive any treatment from us, we will always include you in developing the treatment plan, and can talk you through anything you’re unsure of. We can also offer sedation to our patients who are particularly nervous about their root canal treatment.

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is used to treat infection found at the very root of the tooth. It is an endodontic treatment, which means it is concerned with what we often refer to as the ‘dental pulp’.

This ‘pulp’ can become infected as a result of decay or even injury. In some cases, it can cause a great deal of pain to the patient. If you are experiencing increased pain or sensitivity in a tooth, or have a loose tooth then you might be in need of a root canal treatment.

Treatment for a root canal can usually take place over just one appointment, but in some cases, it may have to take place over two or three. This is dependent on the extent of the infection present and the damage to the tooth.

During the treatment, we will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated and stop you from feeling any pain or discomfort. We will then clean the root canals, and remove any infection before thoroughly and gently disinfecting the tooth.

The tooth will then be filled in with a rubber-type material that will prevent reinfection. Some patients may also need to have a crown fitted to restore the full function of the tooth.

What are the signs I might need a root canal?

There are a few signs that show you may need a check-up, as these are common symptoms linked to a dental infection:

• Recurrent or persistent toothache.
• Sensitive teeth. This symptom often surfaces when you are eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Swollen, inflamed gums. This can suggest you have white blood cells fighting off an infection near the swelling.
• A discoloured tooth. Any changes to the natural shade of your teeth can signal that some of the inner pulp has ‘died’.
• Tooth becomes loose. If a tooth feels wobbly, this may be because the infection has spread to the root of the tooth and weakened the jaw bone.
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth. Infections do not taste pleasant, and this is often noticeable to others too. If others comment on your unusually bad breath, or you taste something off yourself, this may be a sign of infection.

Each of the above symptoms might be a sign you need a root canal, though you cannot be sure of this until you have been properly examined by a professional dentist.

How can I avoid a root canal?

A root canal may be necessary if you have developed an infection within the tooth. The inner pulp of the tooth can become infected because of issues such as gum disease or trauma to the tooth. Once this happens, it is difficult to clear out the infection without performing a root canal procedure. To help avoid the risk of infection inside the tooth, follow these tips:

• Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice each day is recommended, as well as using a mouthwash.
• Attend regular dental and hygienist appointments. If you keep on top of these appointments, you will be less likely to develop an infection. It also helps in keeping teeth and gums healthy, as your dentist can recognise and treat any concerns as and when they arise.
• Protect your teeth (if you grind your teeth, or play contact sports, a bespoke mouthguard can help with this) and avoid habits such as nail-biting or chewing non-edible items. If you do eat acidic or sugary foods, avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after eating. Doing so can actually cause acids and sugars to seep further into the teeth, causing more damage.
• Reduce sugar intake – this can be foods and drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can also harm teeth in the long-run.
• Have issues treated quickly before they turn into something more concerning.

Is an extraction a good alternative to a root canal?

As dental professionals, we always endeavour to preserve and protect teeth – with extraction being a last resort option for those teeth that are beyond repair. A root canal is ideal for helping us preserve your existing teeth, as it removes the infection and seals the site of infection to prevent reoccurrence of the issue.

Extraction might seem like the easier option, but removing a tooth completely can lead to more complex and costly concerns. If you have a tooth removed, it is vital that you have a replacement – often in the form of a bridge or denture. These are not cheap, and cannot mimic the translucency and strength of natural teeth. If you do not have an extracted tooth replaced, the remaining teeth will shift as they try to fill the gap. This can cause further gaps and a drastic change in the way you look.

Extraction is therefore only recommended if your tooth cannot be saved, or if you have recurrent infections in the same tooth. Your dentist will help you make the right choice for your dental health.

What happens after the treatment?

As the local anaesthetic begins to wear off, it is normal to experience some pain in the area that’s been treated. For this, we would recommend taking over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. We will of course go through all your after-care needs with you at your appointment.

To learn more about our root canal treatment or to book a consultation at our private practice in Cheadle, get in touch today. Call us now on 0161 437 2029.

Contact us at Ringway Dental to find out more about any of our treatments or book a consultation. Speak to us about our Dental Care Packages.