We can diagnose the presence of an infection at the center of a tooth here at the practice. Several symptoms may indicate such an infection, including heightened sensitivity, pain when chewing or biting down, and a loose tooth. If left untreated, this type of infection can progress to an abscess.

Once we've assessed your situation and determined that a root canal treatment is the appropriate course of action, you will return to the practice to receive your treatment. In most cases, a root canal treatment can be completed in just one appointment, but there are certain situations where two or more appointments might be necessary.

Here's an overview of the procedure:

1. We will administer a local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.
2. We will then gently clean out the root canals, removing any infection or exposed root nerve tissues.
3. Thoroughly washing the root canal to ensure it is clean.
4. Placing a rubber-type filling material in the canal system to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. This restores the tooth's function and protects it from further infection.

In some cases, we may also recommend placing a crown to fully restore the tooth's function. This determination is made on a case-by-case basis.

After the root canal treatment, it's common to experience some discomfort or pain once the local anesthetic has worn off. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. We will provide you with detailed after-care instructions and address all your post-treatment needs during your appointment.