Dental issues can be daunting, but a clear understanding of what to expect during your root canal procedure is key to alleviating any worries or concerns. 

At the Family Dental Clinic, our priority is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable throughout your endodontic treatment, which is why we’re here to breakdown the process from the moment you sit back in our chair to the moment you leave our practice. 

The Basics of a Root Canal Treatment 

A root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp, the innermost part of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or damaged. Contrary to common belief, this procedure isn’t actually as terrifying as it sounds. In fact, it’s a crucial step to save an infected tooth and relieve pain. Overall, this procedure typically lasts approximately 40 minutes to an hour and may be split into two appointments. 

Step-By-Step Talk Through

Before diving into the procedure, our experienced dental practitioners will talk you through the entire process in detail. This is also the best moment to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have. 

Local Anaesthesia for Comfort

Do not fret, before the root canal procedure starts, local anaesthesia will be administered to your gum surrounding the tooth of concern, numbing it to keep you comfortable throughout the entire treatment. Our clinical practitioners have years of experience and expertise administering local anaesthesia and do their best to keep pain to a minimum, but you might feel a slight ‘pinch’. 

Removing the Pulp and Cleaning

Once the area is numb, we’ll create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp. Specialised instruments are then used to carefully remove the pulp and clean the inside of the tooth, using special disinfecting rinses to kill any residual bacteria. This step is crucial for eliminating infection and preventing its recurrence.

Your well-being throughout the treatment is important to us, so if you are feeling any discomfort or you’d just like to take a breather, let us know and we’ll pause what we’re doing to relieve any pain or anxiety. 

Filling and Sealing the Tooth

Once the root system is cleaned, disinfected, and dried, the next step involves filling the space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This strange yet magical material seals the tooth, preventing further infection. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed until a permanent restoration, like a crown, is ready to be placed.

Post-treatment Care and Recovery

After your root canal treatment, it’s normal to experience some tenderness, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Rest-assured, before you leave our family dental practice, our team will provide you with a comprehensive, detailed post-treatment plan and care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

If you have any further questions around your endodontic treatment or require any additional guidance and support, we’re always here and happy to help. 
Call our Chichester dental practice today at 01243 771171 for all your root canal concerns.

Whilst our clinical practitioners at the Family Dental Clinic are professionally trained to administer facial aesthetic treatments, it’s crucial to provide your skin with a little extra care and attention following your lip, nose, or cheek dermal filler treatment.

Here’s our 5 essential aftercare tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process:

Hands Off!

In the immediate hours following your dermal facial filler treatment, it’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, or mild bruising. Applying a cold compress intermittently can help minimise these effects. As tempting as it is, try to avoid touching or massaging the treated areas to allow the filler to settle naturally.

Hydration is Key 

Never underestimate the power of hydration, keeping well-hydrated is key for your body’s healing process. This is especially important after facial filler as these injectables attract water molecules, enhancing their volumising effect for long-lasting results. Drinking plenty of water after your treatment will also help flush out toxins, preventing infection. 

Gentle Cleansing 

During the first few days post-treatment, stick to a gentle skincare routine. Avoid harsh products, exfoliation, or vigorous rubbing of the treated areas. Opt for mild cleansers and moisturisers for sensitive skin to look after your skin while it heals and adjusts to the filler.

Keep it Cool 

Give your skin the time it needs to recover by avoiding prolonged sun exposure and intense physical activities for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you do need to go outside, we suggest applying a high factor sun cream to the treated areas. 

Follow-up Appointments 

We always recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with our experienced practitioners to assess your filler and ensure your continued satisfaction. Top-up options can also be discussed during these visits to ensure your results are carefully maintained. Communication is key, so feel free to share your thoughts, feelings and ask our friendly team any questions during these visits. 

It’s important to note that every individual’s skin reacts differently to facial aesthetic treatments. While you may not encounter any side effects, these guidelines are designed to ensure a safe and effective healing process, so you can enjoy the results for longer. 

To discuss your dermal filler requirements and schedule an appointment, please call our family dental practice today on 01243 771171.