If this nerve supply is affected through tooth decay, trauma or gum disease it can result in the nerve becoming exposed and infected which can result in a pain. This is the tooth’s way of telling us something is wrong. However, this can also make it difficult to eat, drink and sleep.

If they nerve has become involved for any of the reasons mentioned above, a root canal treatment may be required. This is also known as endodontic treatment and involves using delicate instruments to gently clean out the root canals, remove any exposed or infected nerve tissues and wash them all out to ensure the root canal is clean. Once they have been adequately cleansed, a rubber type material is placed within the canal system to ensure that bacteria cannot re-enter the tooth and that it can then be restored to normal function. The success rates are generally very high.

Without root canal treatment the only other alternative is to remove the tooth and replace it with either an implant, bridge or removable denture. Whilst these alternatives can be very successful, they do not compare to a natural tooth.

If you are in pain and are nervous or anxious, please do let us know, as we are very accustomed to treating patients who have dental anxiety or phobias. If this is the case, we can arrange for you to have sedation which will make you feel calm, relaxed and more comfortable throughout the procedure.