What Happens During a Root Canal in Manchester & Why You Shouldn’t Worry
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What do you think of when you hear the words ‘root canal treatment’? Sounds like it might be a bit painful, right? Well, it’s a procedure that has a reputation it doesn’t really deserve because most people don’t really understand what happens when you have one.
However, when you realise that the success rate for root canals is around 96%, it gets easier to trust that you’re in very good hands with your dentist in Manchester – because it’s a tried and tested path.
It really helps to know what’s coming, though, which is something we cover in this blog, as we look at why they’re needed and what’s actually involved.
A root canal is simply a way of treating an infected or damaged tooth from the inside, rather than going for an extraction. The dentist gets into the tooth, addresses the part that’s causing trouble, and leaves the rest of the tooth in place.
Inside each of your teeth, there’s a soft centre called the pulp, made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. This is usually well protected by the hard outer layers of the tooth.
The problem is that when decay gets inside the tooth and reaches the delicate pulp, it can quickly become inflamed or infected. That’s when your dentist might think about giving you a root canal.
| Why You Might Need a Root Canal | What It Could Mean |
| Deep tooth decay | Decay has eaten through to the pulp and caused an infection. |
| A cracked or fractured tooth | A crack gives bacteria a way in to reach the pulp. |
| Severe tooth injury | A hard knock can damage the pulp even when the tooth looks undamaged. |
| Repeated work on the same tooth | When you have multiple repairs done (e.g. composite fillings, dental crowns) to one tooth over the years, it can irritate the pulp and cause infection/inflammation. |
| Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity | Pain that won’t settle is often a sign the pulp is inflamed or infected. |
| Swelling or a dental abscess | The infection has spread from the tooth into the gum. |
Most toothaches don’t end up needing a root canal in Manchester, as you might just have a cavity instead. However, if the damage has reached the pulp, there’s a good chance that only dealing with the root is going to work.
While a lot of people view a root canal as something that’s both drawn-out and painful, it’s actually pretty standard in terms of dental treatment. It’s done methodically, in stages – with each one building on the last.
The exact details can vary a bit depending on which tooth is affected and how far the infection has spread, but the overall approach stays much the same across most cases.
Before doing anything, your dentist will inject anaesthetic to numb both the tooth and the gum around it. Once that’s done, you shouldn’t feel anything other than varying degrees of pressure as the work is carried out.
That said, if you’re a nervous patient, you could also consider sedation dentistry that can make things much easier to handle.
With the area numb, a small opening is made in the top of the tooth. This is the access point to the pulp chamber and root canals below, which is where the damaged or infected tissue is found.
The pulp, nerve included, gets taken out at this stage. With it no longer there, the pain and infection are halted in their tracks. That should mean no more twinges that leave you reaching for painkillers.
The tooth’s canals are then cleaned out and shaped before being disinfected. This makes sure the inside of the tooth is clean and ready to be sealed.
By sealing the canals, you prevent bacteria from getting inside and causing more problems. Most often, you’ll need a filling or crown, too, so that the structure of the tooth is where it needs to be.
Once the treatment is complete, the infection has been removed, and the tooth can continue functioning as normal. Your dentist will let you know if any further appointments are needed before your next dental check-up.
It’s completely normal to be worried about having root canal treatment, but we’re here to say that you shouldn’t be. It’s designed to deal with the pain and discomfort you may have been feeling, and as we’ve seen, the overwhelming majority of people having one don’t experience any pain.
Of course, there are some injections and drills involved, but the area will be numbed, and it can mean the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. Here are a few other things that might provide some comfort.
While there are quite a few reasons for needing a root canal, it’s usually much easier and more straightforward than people think it’s going to be. Once you understand it’s mainly about stopping the pain and ensuring you don’t lose the tooth, it can be a lot less worrying.
By now, you’ll have a decent idea of what root canal treatment actually involves and why it’s done. You also know that it’s not likely to hurt a great deal and that it’s for a very good reason. It’s natural to be concerned when you’re unsure
At Ringway Dental, we talk patients through their options so they know exactly what’s involved and feel comfortable with whatever’s decided. If a root canal is needed, we’ll explain everything so you know what to expect.
Get in touch with our team today or book your free online consultation and we’ll help you get the treatment you need.
Q – How do I know if I need a root canal?
A – Watch out for tooth pain that won’t go, swelling around the gum, pain when you bite down, or sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers longer than it should. Your dentist will need to take a look and probably an X-ray to confirm what’s going on.
Q – Can a root canal be done in one appointment?
A – Often, yes. You might only need a single visit, unless the infection is complex or it’s a molar at the back with several canals. That might require a second appointment.
Q – Can infection come back after a root canal?
A – It’s possible, though not the typical outcome. It usually happens if bacteria find a way back into the tooth, which is why getting the final filling or crown done properly matters.
Q – What should I avoid after a root canal?
A – Steer clear of chewing hard foods on that tooth until your dentist has finished restoring it. This cuts down the risk of cracking or damaging it before it’s fully protected.
