Ask our Dentist “What is root canal treatment?”

Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental treatments in the UK, and millions of successful treatments are performed every year. But unfortunately, over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase of claims relating to root canal treatment, according to our data we have seen a 79% increase in endodontic claims between 2019 and 2023. Whether you have recently been told you need root canal treatment or are simply looking into understanding the procedure more. We want this blog to reassure you of the procedure ins and outs and why it is needed in certain cases. We have discussed with our dental team, and I asked some questions so we can both better understand what should happen during a successful root canal treatment.

Let’s first establish “what is root canal treatment” or “endodontic treatment” – it is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. Root canal treatment should not be painful and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.

When is root canal treatment needed?

Root canal treatment is needed when dental x-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp may become inflamed if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread. Some symptoms of an infection may be pain when eating or drinking, hot and cold sensitivity, a loose tooth etc. This can be caused by tooth decay, leaky fillings or trauma to the teeth. As the infection progresses, these symptoms may disappear, but the infection at this point has spread through to your root canal system.

How is root canal procedure performed?

In order to treat the infection in your root canal, the bacteria needs to be completely removed. Root canal treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, which will numb your infected tooth and the gum around it.

1. Firstly, your dentist will place a rubber sheet (dam) around your tooth, this will prevent you swallowing or breathing in the chemicals involved during the procedure.
2. Your dentist will then use a drill to create an opening in your tooth through the crown, the flat part at the top, to access the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth (pulp). They’ll then remove any infected pulp that remains.
3. After the pulp has been removed, your dentist will clean and enlarge your root canal. The more roots a tooth has, the longer the treatment will take to complete, and may be carried out over several visits.
4. If the treatment needs to be carried out over several sessions, your dentist may put a small amount of medicine in the cleaned canal in between visits to kill any remaining bacteria. The tooth will then be sealed using a temporary filling. At your next visit, the temporary filling and medicine within the tooth is removed and the root canal filling will be inserted.

Root-filled teeth are more likely to break than healthy unrestored teeth, so your dentist may suggest placing a crown on the tooth to protect it as well.

Can anything go wrong during root canal treatment?

Yes, several things can go wrong during a root canal procedure, including:

1. Incomplete removal of infected tissue, leading to reinfection.
2. Instrument fracture or separation within the root canal.
3. Perforation of the tooth’s root or nearby structures.
4. Sodium hypochlorite (root canal disinfectant) accident.
5. Damage to surrounding tissues or nerves.
6. Poorly sealed or overfilled root canals, leading to complications.

However, these risks can all be mitigated by seeking an experienced dentist who uses proper treatment techniques.

Can root canal cause problems years later?

While root canals are generally successful, complications can arise years later, we have listed some examples we have come across with our claims over the past 5 years.

1. Reinfection due to incomplete removal of infected tissue.
2. Fracture or deterioration of the tooth structure over time.
3. Development of new infections or abscesses in the treated tooth.
4. Persistent discomfort or pain in the tooth or surrounding area.
5. Damage to surrounding teeth or supporting structures.

Wanting to seek compensation for negligent dental treatment? Dental Law is on your side.

If you have experienced poor root canal treatment recently or in the past 3 years, you can contact Dental Law to open a claim for compensation. Since 2000, we have helped thousands of clients successfully receive their compensation from their dentists. Our expert team consists of in-house dental and professional experienced solicitors who will follow you through the whole claims process from initial enquiry to settlement.

If you’re ready to start the claims process or simply want to find out more, ring our offices on 0800 152 2038 or fill out our contact form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.