Root Canal Treatment Southport

Southport Park Family Dental

What is Root Canal Treatment in Southport?

Root canal treatment is a procedure where the infected or damaged nerve in the tooth is removed and replaced with a filling. The aim of a root canal is to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury.

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The Healthy Tooth

The hard outer layer of the tooth is known as the enamel. This is the part that you can see and sits above the gum line. The part of the tooth below the gum line is known as the root and it helps to anchor the tooth into the jaw bone. The deeper tissue below the enamel is known as the dentine and further below this is the soft tissue known as dental pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It extends from the tooth crown to the tip of each root. The pulp is important for the normal growth, development, and health of the tooth.

However, a fully developed tooth can function normally without a pulp if root canal treatment has been successful. The tooth can receive nutrients from the tissues surrounding it, which means the tooth is not considered to be dead following root canal treatment.

When is a Root Canal Treatment Needed?

There may be several causes for damage or disease to the pulp. An infection or inflammation of the pulp can be caused by:

Breakdown of a filling or crown
A deep cavity
Trauma
Gum disease
Crack or chip in the tooth
Extreme wear

What are the Signs I Might Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, tooth discolouration, or gum swelling may be signs of a severely inflamed or infected dental pulp. If left untreated, the pain can worsen and a serious infection, or abscess, may form at the tooth’s root, potentially damaging the surrounding bone.

To save the tooth, root canal treatment is often needed. While saving an existing tooth is always preferred, if a root canal is not performed, the tooth will likely have to be removed. Losing a tooth can affect neighbouring teeth and impact your ability to bite and chew.

The decision to proceed with treatment is always yours, and your dentist will discuss your options with you during a professional consultation.

Preparation for Dental Crown Over Two Appointments

To improve the chances of success, root canal treatment should be started as soon as possible. Our general dentists are trained to perform this treatment, and the process is designed to be as comfortable as possible.

During your appointment, the dentist will:

Examine the tooth and take an X-ray.
Administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Isolate the tooth using a rubber dam to keep it clean and dry.
Open the tooth to access and remove the infected pulp.
Clean, shape, and fill each root canal to protect the inside of the tooth.

Different teeth have varying numbers of canals, with front teeth typically having one or two and back teeth having three or four.

After treatment, the tooth may be more susceptible to fracture and could require a crown to strengthen it. Your dentist will discuss your options with you.

Ready for a different kind of dental care in Southport?

Book your appointment today with Southport Park Family Dental and experience relaxed, personalised care that puts you first.