Getting a root canal? Your questions answered
It is never fun when a dental emergency crops up. 
And if you have recently suffered from either a seriously cracked tooth or an abscess, chances are that our team will ask you to come back (or you will be referred to us) for an endodontic procedure.
As the name suggests, endodontics basically translates to ‘underneath the tooth’ and if the damaged tooth or decayed tooth is still in good condition, this is the treatment that our team will aim to perform.
Because at Edinburgh Endodontist, we know all there is to know about getting a root canal Edinburgh. Our team specialise in performing endodontics on the most complex of root systems and can ensure that you will leave our surgery with lifelong results and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
But with that in mind, what are some of the most common questions that our team is asked by patients who are about to get a root canal Edinburgh? Read on to find out.
Does it kill the tooth?
There is a somewhat age-old and persistent myth that having a root canal Edinburgh will kill the tooth that it is performed on.
Of course, this is not the case!
Any endodontic procedure aims to restore the tooth to its original level of functionality and so, once the treatment is completed, your tooth will not die and it will not change colour.
Will I still be able to eat with the tooth after the procedure?
Maybe not directly after but in the long term, yes.
We advise you to not eat hard foods after having endodontic procedures as the area underneath and around the tooth may feel bruised, either due to the abscess healing or the procedure itself. Any discomfort you experience following this treatment should resolve itself within a few days.
What are the advantages of endodontics over an extraction?
There are quite a few!
Firstly, if you have an abscess underneath a tooth near the front of your mouth, you will obviously not want to undertake an extraction due to aesthetic reasons. However, there are added advantages to your dental health too. With a missing tooth, it is easier for surrounding teeth to become damaged due to plaque and decay.
Another advantage is the long term financial implications; while endodontics may seem pricey, when compared to an extraction, it is actually cheaper. Post-extraction, you would need to think about ways to restore the missing tooth, which could involve either a fitted bridge, dentures or an oral implant.
All of these are quite expensive and, in the case of dentures or bridges, can also lead to secondary discomfort due to rubbing and soreness against the gums.
Is it painful?
No!
Before we begin the treatment, we will always ensure that your mouth and gums are sufficiently numbed. Post-treatment, you may experience some soreness or a feeling similar to a bruise, but this is normal.
We think the reason that endodontics are associated with discomfort is due to many people who undergo them suffering from an abscess at the time, which is undoubtedly going to be very uncomfortable!