Root Canal Treatment in Reading

Root canal treatment can save your tooth from being extracted!

Every tooth has a nerve (also known as a ‘pulp’) in the centre of it. Sometimes when teeth are heavily broken down or decayed the pulp can become irreversibly damaged. If left untreated, this can lead to pain, swelling and infection. A root canal treatment can be performed in these cases to avoid extracting the tooth.

During a root canal treatment, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, and clean and disinfect the area. The dentist will then fill the tooth with a special material and seal it to prevent any further infection.

While some people may be nervous about getting a root canal treatment, it is actually a very common and safe procedure. Our endodontist (root canal treatment expert), Fawad, has undergone extensive training in this field to ensure that his treatments are of the highest standard for our patients.

How does it work?

Here is what you can expect during a root canal treatment:

Local Anaesthesia:
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth.

Accessing the Pulp:
Once the area is numb, the dentist will create a small access hole in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.

Removing the Pulp:
Using special tools, the dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, and clean and disinfect the area to prevent any further infection.

Filling the Tooth:
Once the area is clean and disinfected, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special material to help prevent any further infection.

Sealing the Tooth:
The dentist will then seal the access hole with a filling material, and may place a dental crown on top of the tooth to provide additional support and protection.

Root Canal FAQs

• How do I know if my tooth needs a root canal treatment?

  If you are experiencing tooth pain, you may be wondering if you need a root canal treatment. Here are some signs that your tooth may require root canal therapy:

  • Persistent pain:
    If you are experiencing persistent pain in your tooth, especially when you bite down, apply pressure or after you drink something hot or cold, this could be a sign of an infection or damage to the tooth's pulp.
  • Discolouration:
    If your tooth has become discoloured or darkened, this could be a sign of damage or infection to the tooth's pulp.
  • Swelling or tenderness:
    If you notice swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth or in your gums, this could be a sign of an infection.
  • Visible damage:
    If you can see visible damage or decay to your tooth, this could be a sign that the pulp has been exposed and is in need of treatment.

  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek prompt dental care. Our experienced dental team can evaluate your tooth and determine if root canal treatment is necessary.

• Will I be in pain after a root canal treatment?

  After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

• After root canal treatment do I need a crown/onlay?

  Root canal treatment significantly weakens back teeth. For this reason, it is imperative that a crown/onlay is placed on the tooth after root canal treatment to prevent the tooth from fracturing.