Root Canal Treatment is needed when the pulp chamber and the canals within the roots of a tooth are irreversibly inflamed due to infection, causing severe pain. The inflammation can be caused by many factors such as infection, otherwise known as tooth decay, fractured and broken tooth, fracture lines due to grinding and trauma of a kind. Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of infected pulp resulting in pain and a need for root canal treatment to save the tooth.

As the local anaesthetic wears off after the root canal treatment, you might experience mild pain and sensitivity. Pain and discomfort after root canal are not uncommon. This is related to cleaning process. This process can lead to bruising around the tooth and causes inflammation and discomfort. Normally, the discomfort subsides within few days and responds well to anti-inflammatory painkiller.  If you develop a swelling immediately after root canal treatment has been done, you need to let your dentist know or to see an emergency dentist. If the pain is arising a few months after the procedure has been completed, this may be an indication of re-infection, in this case it is important to have the tooth assessed.

No, It does not need to be a painful procedure. Before any root canal treatment is carried out patient must be well anaesthetised, so they do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. Sometimes, when there is a severe acute pain with a tooth, it may take time to fully anaesthetize the patient and higher doses of local anaesthetic may be needed. Without a doubt, we can get patients fully anaesthetized prior to the carrying out a root canal treatment.

Studies have shown that following the proper procedures as laid down by the experts (British Endodontic Society or American Endodontic Society) there is on average 70-75% chance of success with root canal treatments over 4-5 years. Following the correct procedures for the root canal treatment, the type of materials used, the type of equipment used and the skill of the treatment provider contribute enormously to the success rate.

The alternative option to root canal treatment is an extraction of the tooth. Although on many occasions this may seem a more attractive and quicker option to get rid of pain or infection, it should be considered that extraction is an irreversible process. Extraction is usually recommended by the dentist when it is not possible to restore the tooth with core and crown after the root canal treatment is completed. If a tooth is beyond repair and is suggested to have extraction, the patient
can either accept the gap remaining after extraction or replace the missing tooth with denture, bridge or implant.

Initially, call your own regular dentist as they may have emergency slots and /or advice available. You can also call your Local Emergency Dentist. If you are experiencing difficulty getting an appointment, you can always call us on  0131 629 1158 to book an emergency consultation with one
of our experienced dentists or Book Online.

You should be seen as soon as possible. Our Clinic offers same-day appointments for most conditions during normal business hours and out of hours dentists, so call us on  0131 629 1158  to book an appointment or Book Online.

Have a dental emergency? Frederick Street Dental Care offers same-day treatments. Whether you are already a patient of ours or you are looking for an emergency dentist, we are here and always welcome you. Call us immediately on 0131 629 1158 and we will schedule an emergency appointment for you or Book Online.

Frederick Street Dental Care has increased morning and evening hours of operation to help our patients with general availability and weekend emergency dental care. We are now open 7 days a week. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us on 0131 629 1158  to book an
appointment and get the treatment necessary as soon as possible or Book Online.