Preserve Your Tooth with Root Canal Treatment in Acton

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is needed when an infection spreads to the root of your tooth, potentially leading to an abscess. Once the infection reaches the soft pulp of the tooth, you will likely experience considerable pain as this is where the nerve of the tooth is located.

Root canal treatment removes the infected part of the tooth and the nerve, allowing you to enjoy pain relief at last. We use small tools to expose the infected tooth and then clean each root canal individually. We then fill and seal the root canals and then protect the tooth with a filling or crown.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

Root canal treatment has the worst reputation for being a painful procedure. This is because the majority of root canal treatments are carried out when there is an active infection, which makes it more difficult to achieve a complete numbing effect.

Thankfully, we have advanced methods available to help numb the tooth before the treatment begins. You might experience some mild discomfort, but you should never be in pain. If you do experience pain, you can ask your dentist for more anaesthetic.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Root Canal?

This all depends on the size of the tooth and the complexity of the root system. The back molar teeth have up to three roots which might be complex and winding to navigate. It’s vital to ensure all of the infected pulp is removed.

A simple tooth could be completed in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, while a more complex tooth might take around 2 hours. We’ll let you know how long you can expect the treatment to take before we get started.

Will I Need a Crown After a Root Canal Treatment?

Without the tooth pulp, the blood supply to the tooth will be lost. This leaves the structure more vulnerable to fracture. The tooth may also be discolored due to decay. To help protect the tooth, we often cover the tooth with a crown.

A crown is usually made from porcelain and helps to restore the tooth so you can continue to eat as normal. A crown will also correct any discoloration. On some teeth, a smaller restoration may be possible. These are known as on-lays, and they are like a small hat for your tooth, rather than a full-coverage crown.

The root canal treatment cost does not include the crown. Dental crowns are placed after the initial treatment and will incur an additional fee.

Are There Any Root Canal Treatment Side Affects?

A root canal treatment is generally safe and effective, but like any procedure, it may have some temporary side effects. Most issues are manageable with proper care and resolve on their own. Rare complications can occur but are uncommon.

• Pain and Discomfort: Mild soreness or sensitivity, especially when biting or chewing.
• Swelling: Gums near the treated tooth may swell, particularly if an infection was present.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Bite Discomfort: Unevenness in your bite may require adjustment.
• Infection (Rare): Reinfection is possible if the tooth isn’t properly sealed.
• Tooth Discoloration: The treated tooth may appear slightly darker over time.

Do You Offer Emergency Root Canal Treatment in Acton?

Yes, we offer emergency appointments for root canal treatment for patients in West London (Acton). You don’t need to be registered with us and you can be registered with another dentist. Dentists will often refer patients to our practice if they are unable to accommodate the appointment in a timely fashion, or if the root canal is more complex.