Endodontics Brighton
Restore comfort and preserve your natural tooth with precise, compassionate root canal care
At Martin Street Dentists, we may recommend root canal treatment (also known as endodontic therapy) when a tooth has become deeply infected or damaged. This often occurs when decay or injury allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner chamber, known as the pulp.
The pulp plays an important role in a tooth’s early development, housing delicate nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it becomes compromised, careful treatment helps protect the surrounding structures and preserve your natural tooth for long-term health and balance.
What is Endodontics (root canal treatment)?
Root canal therapy focuses on restoring balance, preserving your natural tooth and supporting your overall wellbeing.
When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, often from deep decay, trauma, or disease, root canal treatment offers a gentle and effective way to heal rather than extract. During the procedure, the infected tissue is carefully removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected, and then sealed to prevent future infection.
By treating the cause at its source, we not only relieve discomfort but help your tooth regain its natural strength and harmony; Keeping your smile healthy for years to come.
Causes and symptoms of a root canal infection
A root canal infection occurs when bacteria enter the tooth’s pulp through cracks, deep cavities, or damage.
Once inside, the bacteria cause inflammation and infection, which can lead to symptoms such as severe tooth pain, swelling around the affected area, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
In some cases, the infection may progress without noticeable symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular dental check-ups. If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the tooth to surrounding bone and tissue, causing serious complications.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, disinfects the canals, and prevents further damage, ensuring your oral health is restored.
Benefits of root canal treatment
Root canal therapy is an effective way to save teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
Once the damaged pulp is removed, your tooth can function perfectly without it. The results of root canal treatment can last for years, often a lifetime, with proper care. Molars, which handle most chewing, typically require crowns after the procedure to provide extra strength and durability.
Although rare, re-infection can occur, in which case retreatment may be an option. Early intervention is key, so if you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, don’t delay scheduling an appointment – addressing the issue promptly leads to better outcomes.
Aftercare and recovery
Recovery from root canal treatment is generally smooth and uncomplicated. Here's what you can expect during the healing process:
- You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a crown, is in place, as temporary fillings are not as durable.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene—brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups—is essential for long-term success.
- Follow-up appointments allow your dentist to monitor healing and determine when the final restoration can be completed.
With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can remain functional and healthy for many years.
Root canal procedure
Before we begin, we’ll take dental x-rays to confirm the infection and plan your treatment. Local anaesthetic ensures the area is completely numb, so while you may feel some pressure, you shouldn’t feel pain.
Step-by-step, here’s what you can expect:
- An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to access the pulp.
- The infected tissue is gently removed.
- The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected using specialised instruments.
- The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to prevent bacteria from returning.
- In severe cases, antibiotics may be placed inside the tooth before it is temporarily sealed.
- Depending on the complexity of the infection, treatment may require more than one visit.
- Once complete, the tooth is restored with either a filling or a crown for long-term strength and function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely. Anyone who knows the pain of a soft tissue infection or the nerve dying inside the tooth knows just how worthwhile a root canal is. Not only does this treatment rid you of what can be severe dental pain, it also prevents the infection spreading further, and helps to preserve your natural tooth and avoid further dental treatments that you would need to replace it.
A dentist and an Endodontist have the same basic training and skills, but an Endodontist specialises in treatment of the soft tissues in the teeth. That’s why an Endodontist will often perform complicated root canal procedures or other treatments that involve the soft tissue in the tooth.
The most common procedure that an Endodontist performs is a root canal, but they can also fix cracked teeth, place dental implants, do root canal re-treatments, root end surgeries, and anything else relating to the soft tissue inside your tooth.
Sometimes, your dentist may not have the additional training or knowledge they would need in order to perform a treatment. This is most often the case for complicated root canal treatments, but your dentist may also send you to an Endodontist for other procedures, such as fixing an old root canal or placing a dental implant.
Keep your natural teeth strong and healthy
Severe tooth pain doesn’t have to mean losing your tooth.
With gentle root canal treatment at Martin Street, we can relieve discomfort, save your natural tooth, and restore your smile’s health. Book your appointment today and take back your comfort.