Root Canal Treatment Newbury | The Rectory Dental Clinic

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment in Newbury can save a tooth that has become infected, inflamed or badly damaged. At The Rectory Dental Clinic, our experienced dental team carefully removes the infection from inside the tooth. We then clean, disinfect and seal the root canals to help prevent further problems.

Treatment can relieve toothache, protect your oral health and help you retain your natural tooth. If you have persistent tooth pain, swelling or discomfort when biting, contact our Newbury dental clinic for an assessment.

Signs you may need root canal treatment

Persistent toothache
Pain when biting
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling around the tooth
A recurring gum swelling or abscess
Tooth discolouration
A cracked or damaged tooth

Why root canal treatment may be necessary

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, can save a severely infected or damaged tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. The dentist then cleans, disinfects and seals the root canals to prevent further infection. This treatment allows patients to keep their natural tooth instead of having an extraction.

The pulp inside a tooth contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, trauma, cracks or repeated dental procedures can allow bacteria to reach the pulp. These bacteria may then cause infection or inflammation. Symptoms can include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, pain when biting or a dental abscess. Some infections cause no noticeable symptoms, although an X-ray may still reveal the problem.

Root canal treatment aims to remove infection and preserve the natural tooth. Saving the tooth usually provides a better option than extraction. It maintains normal chewing function, prevents neighbouring teeth from moving and protects the appearance of the smile. After removing the infected pulp, the dentist shapes and cleans the canals. The dentist then fills them with a special material called gutta-percha, which seals the canals.

What happens after root canal treatment

Following root canal treatment, the tooth can become weaker and more brittle because the nerve and blood supply have been removed. This is especially important in posterior teeth, such as premolars and molars, which are exposed to heavy chewing forces. For this reason, dentists often recommend placing a crown on a posterior tooth after root canal treatment. The crown covers and protects the tooth, reducing the risk of fracture and restoring full function.

In conclusion, root canal treatment is an effective procedure that removes infection, relieves pain, and saves natural teeth. When combined with a protective crown on posterior teeth, it provides long-term strength, function, and durability.

Root Canal Treatment Newbury | The Rectory Dental Clinic