Root Canal Treatment is a procedure used to treat tooth infections. This is often a painless treatment and can save a tooth that might have otherwise been extracted. The infection in the tooth is caused by bacteria that invades the tooth and can happen:
- Tooth decay
- Leaky fillings
- Tooth damage as a result of trauma.
The pulp inside the tooth begins to die and the bacteria spreads through the root canal. Symptoms are:
- Pain when eating and drinking hot/cold foods or drinks
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- A loose tooth
As the pulp dies, these symptoms often disappear. The tooth appears to have healed, but in fact the infection has spread through the root canal system. Eventually, this leads to symptoms such as:
- Pus leaking from the effected tooth
- Swelling of the gum near the tooth
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- Facial swelling
- Change in tooth colour
Leaving the infected tooth alone will make the situation worse. This worsens the prognosis and may make future treatments less effective.
Your dentist will explain the procedure in full as well as the likely prognosis, in order for you to make an informed decision.