Root canal treatment and Apicectomy
Root canal treatment has a scary reputation it doesn't really deserve. Modern techniques, good local anaesthetic and gentle handling mean the procedure itself is generally no more uncomfortable than having a filling – and it's often the best way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Q: Why would I need a root canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed – usually due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth – it can cause significant pain and, left untreated, lead to an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection, allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
Q: What are the signs I might need one?
Common signs include:
• Persistent or throbbing tooth pain, especially when biting down
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after the stimulus is removed
• Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a tooth
• A small pimple-like bump on the gum
• Darkening of a single tooth
Occasionally there are no symptoms at all, and the problem is only picked up on a routine check-up or X-ray.
Q: What happens during the procedure?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and a small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed, and the tiny root canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. Once clean, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material to seal them, and the opening is closed with a temporary or permanent filling. Depending on the complexity, this may take one or two visits, and the tooth is usually protected afterwards with a crown, particularly for back teeth that take a lot of chewing force.
Q: What is an apicectomy?
Occasionally, infection persists at the very tip of a tooth's root even after root canal treatment, or the canal is too curved or blocked to clean fully from above. In these cases an apicectomy – a minor surgical procedure – may be recommended. It involves accessing the root tip through the gum, removing the infected tissue and the very end of the root, and sealing the canal from that end. It's done under local anaesthetic and allows a tooth to be saved that might otherwise need extraction.
Q: What can I expect afterwards?
Mild discomfort for a few days is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. The tooth may feel a little tender when chewing while it settles. Most patients are back to normal activities the same day. We'll let you know if a permanent restoration such as a crown is needed to protect the tooth long-term, and when to schedule that follow-up visit.