When you are told by your dentist that you require endodontics, it can bring to mind various unsettling thoughts.

Usually performed after there has been an infection in the pulp of the tooth, endodontics involves cleaning the inside of the tooth and removing any infected tissue, to ensure that all evidence of the infection is gone and the tooth is clean and healthy.

Understandably, many patients shudder when this is suggested by their dentist, worried that it will add to their discomfort or make their teeth more sensitive.

At Kings Dental Clinic, all of our general dentists are able to perform first-class endodontics or root canals in Hammersmith, leaving our patients with a restored and functional tooth that is free from infection. Our emergency dental team are also able to perform this tooth-preserving procedure, to ensure that regardless of the severity of your infection, you will leave our surgery with your full set of teeth.

But what are the real-life facts about root canals in Hammersmith and which are myths? Read on to discover the real benefits to patients of endodontic therapies.

Endodontic therapy is painful

Myth!

When you visit our dentists for root canals in Hammersmith, chances are you are already experiencing some level of discomfort due to the infection in your tooth pulp.

Before we proceed with any treatment to resolve the issue, our dentists will make sure the area is numbed and that you are comfortable for the therapy to proceed. During endodontic treatment, you will not feel any discomfort and once the numbing agents have worn off, you may experience a bruised sensation, but in comparison to the discomfort you felt previously, we promise it will be minimal!

Extractions are better for your long term health

Myth!

There is no evidence to suggest that extracting an infected tooth has a better long term outcome than endodontic therapy.

As endodontics involve cleaning the root of the tooth to remove any signs of infection, having an extraction may actually be less beneficial for the surrounding teeth, as the infection may still be able to spread. Also, if your infected tooth is located at the front of your mouth, having an extraction is going to lead to more pricey cosmetic procedures, like dental implants or a fitted bridge.

Endodontics kill your teeth

Myth!

While in years gone by endodontic therapies ran the risk of killing your teeth, thanks to modern dental techniques, the nerve of the tooth and the surrounding blood vessels will remain intact.

This will allow you to have the use of your once infected tooth back, without causing deterioration or breakages.

Endodontic therapy takes a long time to heal

Myth!

While you are likely to experience a feeling akin to bruising in your tooth and jaw post-treatment, your once infected tooth should be fully recovered in about a week. The benefits of keeping your natural teeth are obvious with this procedure. If after 7 days you are worried about experiencing an extended healing time, unusual swelling or discomfort, please call our dental team for an emergency follow-up appointment.