OUR SERVICES
Filling & Root Canal Treatment
Treat the problem. Preserve your natural tooth where possible.
Tooth decay, sensitivity and persistent dental pain can be signs that a tooth needs professional attention. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment may involve a filling or, when the inner pulp has become infected or significantly inflamed, root canal treatment. At SmilePlug, treatment begins with understanding what is happening inside and around your tooth before determining the appropriate way forward.
Your smile is a work of art.
FILLINGS & ROOT CANAL
What Are Fillings and Root Canal Treatment?
Fillings and root canal treatment address different stages and types of dental problems.
A dental filling is commonly used to repair a cavity or hole caused by tooth decay. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the resulting space is restored with filling material.
Root canal treatment is used when infection or inflammation affects the soft tissue, or pulp, inside a tooth. During treatment, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped, and the root canal is filled and sealed.
The aim is to address the underlying dental problem while preserving the natural tooth whenever treatment can predictably do so.
When Might a Dental Filling Be Recommended?
A filling may be recommended when tooth decay has created a cavity or damaged part of the tooth that needs to be restored.
Tooth Decay
Decay can create a hole or cavity in the tooth that requires restoration.
Dental Cavities
A cavity can cause food to become trapped and may eventually lead to sensitivity or pain.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods can sometimes be associated with tooth decay and should be assessed by a dentist.
Minor Tooth Damage
Depending on the condition of the tooth, a filling may be used to restore certain areas of damaged tooth structure.
Early Detection
Problems detected before they become extensive can sometimes be treated more conservatively.
Restoring Tooth Function
A filling can restore the shape and function of a tooth affected by decay.
Not every toothache requires a filling. A dental examination is needed to determine the cause of the problem and the appropriate treatment.
When Might You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or significantly inflamed and the tooth can still be treated and restored.
Persistent Tooth Pain
Pain that does not settle or keeps returning may need professional assessment.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Persistent or intense sensitivity can be associated with problems affecting the pulp.
Deep Tooth Decay
Decay that reaches the inner pulp can result in infection and may require root canal treatment.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
A crack or fracture can allow bacteria to reach the pulp.
Dental Abscess
An abscess can be associated with infection inside a tooth and may require root canal treatment or another appropriate intervention.
Previous Dental Treatment
A tooth with extensive previous treatment may sometimes develop further problems requiring reassessment.
Pain alone cannot determine whether you need a root canal. Your dentist needs to assess the tooth and determine the source of the problem.
Filling or Root Canal Treatment: What's the Difference?
| Dental Filling | Root Canal Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Repairs a cavity or damaged tooth structure | Treats infection/inflammation affecting the tooth's pulp |
| Typical problem | Tooth decay/cavity | Infected or significantly inflamed pulp |
| What is treated? | Damaged tooth structure | Inside of the tooth and root canal system |
| Main objective | Restore the tooth | Remove infection and seal the tooth |
| Tooth preservation | Restores the existing tooth | Can allow a treatable natural tooth to remain |
A filling treats the damaged part of the tooth. Root canal treatment addresses disease within the tooth's pulp and root canal system. The appropriate treatment depends on how far the problem has progressed.
What Happens During a Dental Filling?
Examination
Your dentist examines the tooth and determines the extent of the problem.
Preparation
The affected area is prepared and the decayed portion is removed.
Restoration
The resulting cavity is filled with an appropriate restorative material.
Finishing
The restoration is shaped and adjusted so the tooth can function comfortably.
The type of filling material used depends on the clinical situation and the treatment recommended by your dentist.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Assessment
Your dentist assesses the tooth and determines whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
Numbing the Area
Local anaesthesia is normally used so the procedure can be carried out comfortably.
Accessing the Tooth
An opening is made in the tooth to access the infected or inflamed pulp.
Cleaning & Shaping
The affected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped.
Filling & Sealing
The root canal system is filled and the tooth is sealed to help prevent further infection.
Root canal treatment may require more than one appointment depending on the condition of the tooth and the treatment required.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
Your treated tooth may feel sensitive or sore for a period after treatment. The area around the tooth can also feel tender while it recovers.
Follow Your Dentist's Instructions
Complete any recommended follow-up treatment and attend review appointments.
Protect the Treated Tooth
Your dentist may recommend a further restoration, such as a crown, depending on the condition and remaining structure of the tooth.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Continue caring for your teeth and gums with regular brushing and interdental cleaning.
Return If Symptoms Persist
Persistent pain, swelling or other concerning symptoms should be reported to your dental provider.
Root canal treatment is one stage of restoring a tooth. The final restoration and ongoing care are also important.
Can Root Canal Treatment Save a Natural Tooth?
In many cases, root canal treatment is used to remove infection from inside a tooth while allowing the natural tooth to remain in place.
However, not every tooth can be successfully treated. The condition of the tooth, the amount of remaining structure and its overall prognosis all influence whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
The goal is to preserve your natural tooth when it can be predictably treated and restored.
DEALING WITH TOOTH PAIN?
Don't Wait for the Problem to Get Worse.
Tooth decay and dental infections can become more difficult to treat when left unaddressed. If you're experiencing persistent pain, sensitivity or another dental concern, an assessment can help identify what is happening and what treatment may be appropriate.
What If the Tooth Cannot Be Saved?
Root canal treatment is not appropriate for every tooth.
If a tooth cannot be adequately restored or its overall prognosis is poor, your dentist may discuss other treatment options, which can sometimes include extraction. Current clinical guidance emphasises assessing whether the tooth has a reasonable prognosis before completing root canal treatment.
Restoring the Tooth After Root Canal
After root canal treatment, the tooth needs to be properly sealed and restored. Depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining, your dentist may recommend a filling, crown or another appropriate restoration.
Filling
For teeth where sufficient structure remains and a direct restoration is appropriate.
Crown
For teeth that need additional protection because significant structure has been lost.
Restorative Dental Care Built Around You
Careful Assessment
Treatment begins with understanding the condition of your tooth and the source of the problem.
Patient-Focused Care
We aim to make your treatment journey clear and understandable from assessment through follow-up.
Restorative Focus
Where appropriate, treatment is planned around restoring the health, structure and function of the tooth.
Care Across Our Locations
SmilePlug provides dental services across Ikeja, Lekki and Abuja.
Treat the Problem, Not Just the Pain.
Tooth pain can sometimes be the visible symptom of a deeper dental problem.
Treating the underlying cause is important because untreated tooth decay can progress, potentially reaching the pulp and leading to infection.
The sooner a dental problem is properly assessed, the more clearly your treatment options can be understood.
Patient guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings & Root Canal Treatment
SmilePlug Dental Clinic
Your Tooth Deserves the Right Treatment.
Whether you're dealing with a cavity, sensitivity, persistent pain or a tooth that may need root canal treatment, the right place to start is with an assessment. Let SmilePlug help you understand what's happening and what treatment options may be appropriate for your tooth.