Understanding your options
The centre of a tooth contains dental pulp. Deep decay, cracks, trauma or previous dental work can allow this tissue to become inflamed or infected, sometimes causing pain, sensitivity, swelling or tenderness.
Benefits and points to consider
The dental pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, trauma, a leaking restoration or repeated treatment can inflame it or allow bacteria to enter. Root canal treatment aims to retain a tooth by removing affected tissue and sealing its internal canal system. Potential benefits include addressing infection, relieving associated symptoms and avoiding extraction when the tooth is restorable. Success cannot be guaranteed: complex anatomy, cracks, the amount of remaining tooth and the final restoration all affect the outlook.
Your assessment in Ely
Assessment can include examination, tests and dental radiographs. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so diagnosis is important before treatment. We explain the findings, alternatives and what may happen if the tooth is left untreated.
What treatment involves
During treatment, the tooth is numbed, isolated and cleaned internally before being filled and sealed. More than one visit may be needed. A crown or other restoration may later be recommended to protect a weakened tooth.
Care and next steps
Some tenderness after treatment can occur. Follow the advice given and contact the practice if symptoms worsen. Continue daily cleaning and attend reviews, as a root-treated tooth and its restoration still need ongoing care.
Potential benefits
- May retain a natural tooth that would otherwise be removed
- Treats infection or inflammation within the tooth
- Restores the tooth for function when followed by suitable restoration
- Avoids creating a gap where treatment is successful
What the treatment involves
- 1Confirm the diagnosis with examination, pulp tests and radiographs, because similar symptoms can have different causes and treatment should follow a clear diagnosis.
- 2Numb the tooth with local anaesthetic and isolate it with a protective sheet, so that treatment is comfortable and the internal space stays free of saliva.
- 3Locate the root canals through an opening in the tooth and clean and shape them with fine instruments, working within the tooth's natural anatomy.
- 4Disinfect, fill and seal the cleaned internal space, sometimes over more than one visit, to reduce the chance of the infection returning.
- 5Restore and protect the remaining tooth structure, often with a crown or onlay, and agree the review arrangements for the treated tooth.
Comparing the options
| Option | Aim | Next consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal treatment | Retain and disinfect tooth | Final restoration and reviews |
| Extraction | Remove affected tooth | Whether to replace the gap |
| No treatment | No intervention | Symptoms or infection may progress |
Making an informed decision
Dental treatment should be based on an examination, a clear diagnosis and a conversation about what matters to you. At Broad Street Dental Care, we explain reasonable options, including the choice not to proceed, so you can weigh likely benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance. No webpage can determine whether a treatment is suitable for an individual mouth.
Dr Junaid Abbas Choudhry is the principal dentist at the practice and is registered with the General Dental Council under number 302053. You can also review the practice's independent regulatory information on its Care Quality Commission profile.