Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental treatment for removing infection from inside a tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections. It is carried out in the pulp of the tooth, which is the root canal.
Treatments
When is Root Canal Treatment Required?
Endodontic treatment is concerned with the fine space inside the tooth called the root canal. This small area contains the dental pulp which is made up of nerves and blood vessels and other connective tissues.
If a tooth has suffered decay, a deep filling or suffered trauma – the nerves inside the tooth can become irritated causing severe pain. Bacteria can enter to infect the nerves and also cause inflammation of the bone around the tooth.
Root canal treatment aims to remove the inflamed or dead tissue around the root and remove the bacteria. It also seals the root canal system to prevent bacteria re-entering. This allows healing of the bone surrounding the tooth and thereby preserves the tooth. If a prior root filling has been placed but there is still evidence of infection, that filling needs to be removed and the entire root canal system must be cleaned and refilled.
What are the benefits of the treatment?
The aim of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that would otherwise require removal. It aims to prevent further pain and infection from the area.
Our In-house Endodontics Specialist
BDS HONS MFDS RCSENG MJDF MCLINDENT ENDO MENDO RCSED
GDC NO 85852
BDS HONS MFDS RCSENG MJDF MCLINDENT ENDO MENDO RCSED
GDC NO 85852
Dr Alix Davies was awarded a Master of Clinical Dentistry degree in Endodontics with distinction and also attained her Membership in Endodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Alix’s research interests and publications have focused on the use of specialised imaging techniques to assist in diagnosis and management of endodontic problems. Her most recent research has involved assessing the outcome of endodontic retreatment. She has presented at National and International Conferences and is also a reviewer for the International Endodontic Journal. Alix also provides Endodontic training to Postgraduates on the MSc course at King’s College London.
The Procedure
A cavity will be cut through the chewing surface of the tooth to gain access to the root canal(s). The root canal(s) will be cleaned, shaped, and therefore disinfected with fine dental instruments. Then the root canals will be sealed near to their tip with an inert filling material called gutta-percha. The tooth will finally be restored back to its original function.
IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT PAINFUL?
The treatment will be made as painless as possible using local anaesthetic and painkillers.
The Aftercare
Teeth requiring root treatment will often have had very large restorations in them previously or have been badly damaged. In order to restore them adequately and protect the root filling from further infection a cast cuspal coverage restoration (crown) is strongly recommended, particularly in posterior teeth.
Your Local Dentist in Staines
Uncompromising general, specialist & implant dentistry
We pride ourselves on the highest standard of patient care and aim to provide our patients with the very best that dentistry has to offer in an informal, and above all caring manner. The Dentists at our practice have been chosen on the basis of their unquestionable desire to achieve the very best for their patients and thus, they have participated heavily in post graduate level education to achieve this fundamental goal.
Practice Opening Hours
| Monday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
| Tuesday | 8:00 – 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 8:00 – 19:00 |
| Thursday | 8:00 – 17:30 |
| Friday | 8:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 8:30 – 12:00 |
| Sunday | CLOSED |