If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, you may need a root canal. Modern root canal treatment is a routine, comfortable procedure designed to save your natural tooth from extraction, relieve your pain, and restore your smile.
It's one of the most effective dental treatments for preserving the integrity of your bite and maintaining your long-term oral health. If you are worried about your oral health in any way, contact our friendly team today to book a personalised appointment.
A root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth when the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed. This often happens because of deep decay that penetrates the inner tooth layers, or from serious injury or trauma. If this infected tissue isn't removed, it can lead to severe pain and an abscess.
The treatment involves removing the damaged pulp and nerve, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, filling the root canals, and finally sealing the tooth with a permanent filling or a crown to protect it from re-infection.
Knowing the symptoms can help you seek treatment quickly and save your tooth. Common signs that you may require a root canal treatment include:
If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately for an assessment.
When you need a root canal in Ipswich, choosing our practice means choosing expertise and comfort. We focus on providing highly precise and successful root canal treatment, which is the only reliable means of saving a severely compromised tooth.
Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and thorough procedures, including the complete removal of the affected nerve and tissue, followed by disinfection and sealing of the canals. Once your tooth has healed, we ensure it's properly protected with a final filling or crown, allowing you to use it normally and confidently for years to come.
Don't let tooth pain control your life any longer. Choosing root canal treatment is the definitive step to getting out of pain and saving your natural tooth. When you book your appointment with us, you can trust that you'll be in safe hands, benefiting from expert care and precise treatment. Take the first step towards a healthy, comfortable smile today, and contact us to schedule your consultation!
While we are a general dental practice in Ipswich that successfully carries out many routine root canal treatments, we ensure the highest standard of care for all our patients. For complex or challenging cases, we work closely with highly experienced endodontists (root canal specialists) and can arrange a referral if your tooth requires their specific, advanced expertise. For simpler cases, you can rest assured that our experienced general dentists follow meticulous protocols to provide you with effective, comfortable root canal treatment right here at the practice.
A common misconception is that a root canal is a painful procedure, but the truth is it's actually designed to relieve pain! The intense pain you may be experiencing is caused by the infection or inflammation inside the tooth. Thanks to modern local anaesthetics, the area will be completely numb during the root canal treatment, meaning you should not feel anything more than slight pressure. While you might feel some mild soreness for a few days afterwards, this is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
A general dentist is qualified to perform many routine dental procedures, including basic root canal treatments. An endodontist, however, is a dental specialist who has completed several years of additional, focused training specifically on the pulp (nerves) and roots of the teeth. They are experts in treating complex or complicated root canal cases, performing retreatment of previously failed procedures, and dealing with dental trauma. For straightforward cases, your general dentist is well-equipped; for intricate issues, a specialist endodontist may be recommended.
The decision between a root canal treatment and extraction is based on the extent of the damage to your tooth. A root canal is always the preferred option because it allows you to save your natural tooth, maintaining your bite and smile. Extraction is typically only recommended when the infection or damage is so severe, perhaps extending deeply below the gum line or causing widespread tooth fracture, that the tooth cannot be saved even with specialised treatment. We will always assess the tooth thoroughly using X-rays to determine if it is salvageable before considering extraction.
The recovery time after a root canal treatment is usually very quick. Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. You may feel some tenderness or sensitivity around the treated tooth for a few days, which is normal and typically responds well to standard painkillers. The most important part of the recovery phase is ensuring the tooth is protected with a permanent filling or a crown promptly, as the tooth can be vulnerable to fracture until the final restoration is placed.
