Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is prescribed by a dentist in order to treat a tooth with infection. At Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth, we have carried out scores of endodontic procedures to help patients save their teeth.

Many patients are nervous when they hear the term “root canal treatment”, but in reality it is nothing to be scared of. It is also essential because, without it, you stand a good chance of losing your tooth.

The pulp or nerve at the centre of a tooth can become infected through tooth decay or through damage to your tooth through accident or injury. Even a small crack in your tooth can enable bacteria to get into the pulp and cause an infection, which is why you should always see your dentist as soon as possible if you crack or chip your tooth – even mildly.

The most common symptom of infection is toothache, which can also be accompanied by a painful swelling known as a dental abscess.

Your dentist will recommend root canal treatment if they diagnose infection. This is vital to saving your tooth, and while many people find the term frightening, in reality it should feel no different to having a standard filling.

Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will experience no pain. At our Bournemouth dental practice we use the Vibraject injection system to deliver anaesthetic, which minimises the “bee sting” effect some patients have experienced in the past.

Once you are numb, your dentist will clean the root canal system of all traces of infection. Your tooth may be temporarily filled to make sure the infection has completely cleared, and you will be called back to our Bournemouth surgery after about a week to check your tooth before filling it permanently. You may also need a crown to give your tooth extra strength.