Root canal treatment (also called Endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
Inside a tooth is a space called a pulp chamber with its associated root canals. The living tissue inside this area, often referred to as “the nerve” contains a fine network of tissue fibres, blood vessels and nerves. It is this that is responsible for all the hot and cold sensations in our teeth and telling us how hard we are biting.
If decay reaches this area, or a fracture occurs exposing the pulp, bacteria can then enter and eventually damage and destroy the tissue. The root canals then become infected, and inevitably an abscess forms underneath the tooth, in the jaw bone. This can lead to considerable pain, but this is not always the case. Sometimes the first you are aware of the problem is when your dentist finds either a small spot on the gum or sees an abscess on an x-ray.
Why Specialist Dental?
Dr Sohaib Safiullah
Clinical Director
Read Bio
All our dentists are registered specialists, with 33 years of combined experience, 12 years of combined formal postgraduate training, education and continuous professional development. We have been established for over 17 years and have accepted referrals from general dentists in the surrounding area for over 12 years. Endodontic treatment is carried out by our Specialist Endodontist Dr Sohaib Safiullah who is a registered Specialist with the GDC. All of our endodontists use the latest equipment and highest quality materials including a microscope to negotiate the canals, which makes the success rate of this treatment very high.
FAQs
What does it involve?
The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria from the inside of the tooth and disinfect the root canals. This is achieved by isolating the tooth from the rest of the mouth and then making a small hole in the tooth to locate the pulp chamber and canals. The canals are then measured, cleaned and shaped using fine instruments called files to allow us to fill and seal them.
They are washed and disinfected thoroughly using a number of cleaning solutions. When the canals are clean, we then fill them to seal them off and prevent re-infection. Modern advances in root canal therapy have greatly improved these stages. We now use microscopes to help us find the small root canals more easily. We have more efficient files to clean and shape the canals, and we have more advanced methods to fill the teeth to try to ensure that as many of the fine network of branches of the root canal system are filled. When the tooth is filled, the abscess can start to heal and pain should subside.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
Teeth that have had root canal therapy are susceptible to fracture and can break, so it is essential that you return to your regular dentist to enable the tooth to be properly protected. It is often recommended that teeth we have treated will need a crown. This is something your regular dentist will discuss this with you at your subsequent appointment.
What if it happens again?
Root canal treatment enjoys a very high level of success. It is, however, impossible to guarantee the success of any medical procedure. Occasionally, even with the best treatment, healing may not occur due to circumstances beyond our control. Even so, there are often further options we can discuss to secure your long term dental health and eliminate persistent symptoms or infection.
What if I don't have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can't heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
Will the tooth be stable after treatment?
Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be carried out?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you. However, some root canal treatments are complicated and difficult to complete without the skills and specialist equipment of a Specialist Endodontist. Our clinic is equipped with the most up to date technology and microscope equipment to ensure that our Specialists can complete your root treatment with the greatest chance of success.
What about aftercare?
Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.
