Root canal treatment is one of the most misunderstood procedures in dentistry. However, it's also one of the most essential treatments for saving a damaged or infected tooth. At Brite Dental, with practices in Paisley, Bridge of Weir, Clarkston and Edinburgh, we provide expert root canal treatments designed to restore your tooth’s health and prevent the need for extraction. Here's everything you need to know about this important procedure.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When a tooth becomes infected due to decay, trauma, or cracks, bacteria can reach the pulp, causing pain, swelling, and further damage to the tooth. A root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent future infection.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Not all dental problems require a root canal, but certain symptoms indicate that you may need this treatment. These signs include:

• Severe tooth pain or sensitivity, especially when chewing or applying pressure
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth
• Discoloration of the tooth (darkening)
• Persistent pimple-like bumps on the gums that may discharge pus
• Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold, lingering even after the stimulus is removed

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact Brite Dental as soon as possible. Early intervention can save your tooth and prevent complications.The Root Canal Process. At Brite Dental, our skilled team ensures that your root canal treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. Here's how the procedure typically works:

1. Examination and X-rays: Your dentist will examine the tooth and take an X-ray to assess the extent of the infection and plan the best approach for treatment.
2. Anesthesia: To ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure, the area around the affected tooth is numbed with local anesthesia.
3. Accessing the Tooth: The dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
4. Removing Infected Pulp: The decayed or infected pulp is carefully removed to eliminate the source of infection.
5. Cleaning and Shaping: The empty root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.
6. Filling the Tooth: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the space and prevent further infection.
7. Restoring the Tooth: After the root canal, your tooth will likely need a crown or filling to restore its strength and function, as it can become fragile.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

‍Many patients fear that root canal treatment is painful, but modern techniques and anesthesia have made the procedure relatively comfortable. In fact, a root canal typically relieves the intense pain caused by the infection. After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or soreness, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

‍Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of opting for an extraction.
• Alleviates Pain: The procedure removes the infection causing pain, giving you relief and comfort.
• Prevents Further Damage: By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, a root canal prevents the spread of infection to other areas of your mouth.
• Long-Lasting: With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last many years, sometimes for the rest of your life.

Caring for Your Tooth After a Root Canal After your root canal treatment, it’s important to follow your dentist’s care instructions to ensure optimal healing:

• Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown.
• Practice good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure the tooth is healing properly.

Why Choose Brite Dental for Your Root Canal Treatment?At Brite Dental, we understand that dental procedures like root canals can be intimidating. Our team of experienced professionals is here to make sure you feel at ease throughout the process. Whether you're visiting us in Paisley, Bridge of Weir, Clarkston or Edinburgh, we use the latest dental technology to perform root canal treatments efficiently and comfortably.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth or want to know more about root canal treatment, contact Brite Dental today. We're dedicated to restoring your smile and maintaining your oral health.