A quick guide to root canals from our dentist
As many as 2 out of 5 adults will experience a dental abscess at one point or another in their lives. Ouch!
This is a very common condition, which usually results from the pulp of the tooth being exposed to the bacteria via a deep cavity or, in some instances, trauma to the tooth. While this all sounds very uncomfortable, most dental patients wince at the idea of having this procedure treated with a root canal, which we at Coptfold Dental feel is a bit unfair. 
At Coptfold Dental, we will always aim to save as many teeth as possible and will only extract a tooth if it is beyond repair. So, if you come to us with a dental abscess, our dentist Brentwood will likely suggest a root canal if the tooth itself is not too badly decayed or damaged. Great stuff!
However, we have an inkling that you may still be wincing, so in this short article, our dentist Brentwood provides a brief introduction to root canals to help you see how helpful this procedure can be.
Why would a root canal be needed?
As mentioned, our dentist Brentwood would need to perform a root canal if the tooth or, more specifically, the pulp has become infected and caused a dental abscess. This is usually the result of decay or trauma to the area. A dental abscess is as likely to be missed as a bright purple alien sitting in your kitchen, so if you are experiencing excessive swelling, discomfort and discolouration to the gums, you likely have an abscess, and you need urgent dental care.
The procedure
A root canal is not overly different from having a filling, except it takes a bit longer. Our team will numb the area before we begin, after which we will drill vertically downwards or upwards to reach the pulp of the tooth. Once there, we will use brushes to remove the infected debris. After the infected material has been removed, we will then use tree resin known as gutta percha to fill the area around the pulp and the hole by which we accessed it. Then the tooth itself will be topped with either a crown or a filling.
Immediate aftercare
After you have had a root canal, the area will likely feel slightly bruised and tender. This is normal and should be treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers, but it should be nowhere near as uncomfortable as it was when you had the abscess. Continue with your dental routine as normal, and if you suspect that there is an issue, please call us.
Long-term care
In the long term, a root canal does not need any special care, and provided that it has been performed properly and the tooth is maintained with good oral hygiene, there should be no need for it to be redone, and it should easily last the rest of your life.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent an oral abscess from forming in the first place is to maintain good oral hygiene at home and attend regular appointments with our team. This way, we can assess your teeth and prevent any tooth decay from reaching this level.