Root canal procedure (endodontic treatment) is used to treat infections in tooth pulp (innermost layer of a tooth). The infection could be caused by mouth bacteria invading the pulp inside the tooth and causing inflammation.

This can happen when there is a deep cavity needing treatment, or a cracked or damaged tooth. Signs of for root canal treatment can be:

• Persistent tooth pain: Teeth can hurt for many reasons, but a deep pain in a tooth that spreads to jaw and other teeth might be an indication of an infection.

  
  

• Tooth pain under pressure: Tooth hurting while eating or by touch may indicate that nerves around the pulp are damaged.

  
  

• Swollen gums: Another indicator of infected tooth.

  
  

• Pimple on the gum: Pimples or boils discharging smelly pus can be a sign of infected tooth.

  
  

• Swollen aw: This could be a sign that the pus has not drained away from the infected tooth.

  
  

• Discoloured tooth: Tooth discolouration happens when there is a lack of blood supply to the tooth. This can happen when the pulp in infected.

  
  

• Loose tooth: Infection with the pulp can soften the supporting bone and lead to the tooth feeling loose.

At Tudor Lodge our dentists are able to carry out limited endodontic treatment when having fully explored the options with you. Complicated cases which also require microsurgery are referred to a local Endodontist (for private treatment) or a NHS Specialist centre/hospital. Patients have to appreciate that they may have to wait for a long period to obtain NHS endodontic treatment.

The endodontist will carry out the procedure either in one or two sessions and seal your tooth with a temporary filling. You are then referred back to your dentist for a dental crown.