Myth Busting Root Canal Treatment: Your friend not your foe!

Did you know that root canal treatment can prevent you from having your tooth out?

The phrase “root canal therapy” can often make us feel apprehensive due to many misconceptions associated with this treatment. In fact, root canal treatment is your friend not your foe as it is often the only way to keep your tooth by repairing it rather than having it extracted.

This ‘myth busting’ article explores the truth behind root canal treatment as a pain free procedure with our Specialist Endodontists Negin Mosahebi and Elisabeth Smallwood at Devonshire House.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy (also known as endodontic treatment) is the removal of blood vessels and nerves from a tooth which may be infected and/or damaged. Treatment involves removing the bacteria from the root canal and then filling the canal and sealing the tooth with a filling or crown.

What causes root canal infection?

Root canal infection can be caused by several factors including decay, injury and possibly gum disease. Root canal therapy may be the only way to repair your tooth if it has been badly damaged by infection

Symptoms indicating you may need treatment

A variety of symptoms may indicate root canal treatment is necessary, but it is important to know that this tooth saving procedure may be necessary even if you aren’t in pain.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A loose tooth
• Swollen gum, cheek or jaw
• A tooth oozing pus
• A tooth that has become darker in colour

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Root canal treatment does not hurt, in fact it alleviates the pain caused by infected tissue and exposed roots and nerves of a tooth by sealing them off from any further damage with a crown or filling and is a permanent treatment solution.

Why do I need to see an Endodontist for treatment and not my dentist?

Endodontists continue to train for a further four or five years following qualification as a general dentist and as a result are highly skilled in specialist endodontic care. They carry out endodontic treatment every day of the week and are therefore more accomplished, much faster and more efficient at providing endodontic (root canal treatment). Many general dentists refer patients to Specialist Endodontists for treatment as they feel treatment may be beyond their capabilities and they do not have the specialist endodontic equipment required.

At Devonshire House, our highly experienced Specialist Endodontists Negin Mosahebi and Elisabeth Smallwood perform root canal treatment daily and have helped many patients by alleviating tooth pain and avoiding tooth extraction. Our scanning suite and endodontic specific microscopes and instruments ensure that we have the cutting-edge technology at our finger tips to diagnose and perform root canal treatment in relaxed surroundings.

How long does treatment take?

It varies from patient to patient depending on the complexity of the treatment and your symptoms. Generally, root canal treatment can be completed in one or two sessions of 1-2 hour sessions.

How will I feel after treatment?

After your root canal treatment is complete, your tooth should no longer be painful it  may just be sore for a few days which can be alleviated with over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. In some cases, you may need to see your dentist to have your tooth restored with a crown after root canal treatment.

Following treatment, it is important to continue with your normal oral health regime of keeping your teeth clean, not eating too much sugary food and giving up smoking if you smoke.

What to do if you are concerned that you may require root canal treatment?

The first step is to book a check up with a dentist. If you are not registered with a dental practice, Devonshire House can help. Our dentists Anthony Power and Richard Malloch welcome new private patients and will automatically assess your dental health in a routine check-up and if necessary, refer you to one of our Specialist Endodontists Negin Mosahebi and Elisabeth Smallwood for further care.

Alternatively, you can self-refer directly to Negin or Elisabeth for a specialist endodontic appointment.

Book an appointment

For a self-referral with on of our Specialist Endodontists, call our friendly reception team on 01223 245266

Devonshire House dental practice – the private dental practice you’ve been looking for

As a growing practice Devonshire House in Cambridge welcomes new private patients. Whether you are looking for general dental care or specialist dental treatment, our award-winning practice and expert specialist dentists provide a full range of dental care and treatment for the entire family.

• Highly experienced Specialist dentists with a vast array of clinical experiences who are renowned leaders in their fields.
• Full range of specialist treatment with every treatment under one roof so you don’t need to be referred elsewhere.
• Same day emergency appointments.
• Beautiful and comfortable, relaxing surroundings with plenty of parking and great accessibility.
• Interest free payment options with a dedicated finance team to chat through your requirements.
• Treatment Co-ordinator to guide you through complex treatment and offer out of surgery support.
• Full suite of on-site scanning facilities for a quick diagnosis.
• On-site dental laboratory for emergency repairs.
• Out of town second practice if you’re looking to avoid the Cambridge traffic.