Endodontic

Endodontics Surgery

All of our dentists undertake endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment. Some of our dentists have a special interest in root canal treatment and are able to perform this complex procedure to a very high standard.

If a root canal treatment fails, it can often be redone. A number of our Dentists are capable to carry out re-root canal treatment.

All of our dentists undertake endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Teeth are held in the jaws by their roots. Front teeth normally have one root, but teeth further back have more. At the core of each tooth is a soft mass of tissue called the pulp. In a healthy tooth, the pulp contains living fibres, cells, nerves and blood supply, extending into the root(s) through the root canal(s).

Decay or injury can destroy the living pulp. Because dead pulp lacks a blood supply, it is more prone to infection, leading to an abscess and toothache.

Root canal treatment (also known as root filling or endodontics) means removing damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left. The remaining tooth can then be repaired.

How is a Root Canal done?

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An X-ray can show the number and shape of the root canals, and also signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Teeth can have a number of roots and some are easier to fill than others because of their shape.

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You will be given a local anaesthetic and then an opening is made through the top of the tooth, down into the pulp.

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The dentist then uses files to remove the dead pulp from the core of the tooth and from the root canal(s). The dentist will also disinfect the root canal system.

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At this point, the dentist may put in a temporary filling and if you will have to return at a later date, once symptoms have settled, the dentist can complete the treatment.

Pulp damage

What are the benefits?

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Pulp damage can cause toothache but the pain will usually end very quickly when the root canal is cleaned out.Without a root filling, a tooth with a dead pulp would probably have to be taken out in the end. There is also a possibility of infection spreading beyond the tooth itself.

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Root-fillings are usually successful and can last many years, but re-treatment is also possible if infection recurs. Occasionally, if inflammation persists at the tip of the root, surgery can be carried out to remove the end of the root. The area is then cleaned and a filling may be placed at the end of the root to seal the root. This is known as an ‘apicectomy’.