Root canal treatment involves the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth in the event that it gets infected or inflamed. This removal prevents the infection from spreading and is the first step in saving a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted.
Debris within the canals is removed by flushing with an anti-bacterial solution. The canals are finally filled or sealed and the tooth restored to full shape and function by either a permanent filling or a crown.
Benefits
- Can save an infected tooth from extraction
- Removes a source of infection that could spread to other areas
- Prevents further problems that could be caused by losing a tooth
- Can relieve toothache
- Less expensive than replacing a lost tooth
At Small Dental, we are able to provide specialist endodontic services to enhance your treatment experience and achieve excellent results.
Treatment steps
Root canal treatment usually requires several appointments, depending on which type of tooth is being treated. Between appointments, the tooth will be covered and temporarily restored.
- An x-ray will be taken to check the root canals and see if there are any other signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
- A rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep it dry. The infected pulp is removed under a local anaesthetic (if necessary) and root canals are flushed with an anti-bacterial solution.
- The canals are shaped with tiny instruments and washed again to remove any debris.
- The freshly cleaned root canals are then filled with a rubber compound to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering.
- The filled root canal is sealed with a permanent filling or may need a crown to help restore tooth shape and functionality.
Although root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, the procedure should be no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling.
Dr Amar Mehta is a Specialist Endodontist and is able to provide private specialist endodontic services, to help save a tooth.
He also accepts external referrals from other dental practices who wish to refer their patients to him.
Frequently Asked Question
Despite being known unfairly as painful, root canal treatment is comparable to having a normal filling. Anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort and patients often feel a great sense of relief following treatment as they no longer have tooth pain.
The only alternative to root canal is to remove the infected tooth, and we do all we can to avoid this happening. A missing tooth can cause issues with facial structure and tooth misalignment, as well as greater expense to fit a replacement.
Absolutely, we offer root canal treatment in Edgware, Stanmore, and Bushey!
Root canals are a vital procedure for saving teeth that have become infected. Our skilled dentists at Small Dental are experienced in performing root canal treatments throughout these areas.
The best way to look after your tooth following endodontic treatment is to keep up with a regular brushing and flossing routine. Root filled teeth are still prone to decay, so need to be cared for properly.
If looked after properly, with regular brushing and flossing, your root canal treated tooth should stay trouble-free and provide a long-lasting repair. Even though the pulp has been removed, the tooth will stay intact because the canals have been sealed to prevent re-infection. Regular check-ups are also recommended so any problems can be detected early.
If it is properly cared for, your root treated tooth should function well for many years and cause no issues. In some cases, the treatment may need to be repeated, but this is rare.
