Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment or Endodontics

“Endo” is the Greek word for inside and “odont” is Greek for tooth.

Endodontic treatment refers to treating the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is one type of endodontic treatment.

To understand endodontic treatment it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth.

Inside the tooth under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin is a soft tissue called pulp. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. It contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Why does my tooth need Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes, including

• Deep decay

• Repeated dental procedures on the tooth

• A crack or chip in the tooth

• An injury or trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks

If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain, toothache or lead to an abscess and possible loss of the tooth.

Root canal procedures are performed to relieve the pain caused by pulp inflammation or infection, to help keep your tooth rather than having it removed, and to maintain the appearance and function of the tooth.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment procedure removes the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space to help prevent reoccurrence of infection.

What happens during treatment?

• Local Anaesthetic will be given to ensure maximum comfort during the treatment.

• A Rubber Dam ( rubber sheet) will be used to isolate the tooth being treated from saliva and liquids and protect your airway from any instruments.

• A cavity will be made in the tooth to access the roots.

• The canals will be cleaned using special instruments and medication.

• When ready the root canals will be filled with a special material.

• X-rays are needed at different stages during treatment.

• Depending on the tooth, a restoration will be made either by filling or a crown to protect it.

Is Root Canal Treatment painful?

With modern techniques and local anaesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

For the first few days after treatment your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. In some cases it may take a few days this discomfort to be relieved. Taking pain killers can help the patient during this uncomfortable period. However, you can call the practice for advice if symptoms persist.

What happens after Root Canal Treatment?

Following completion of Root Canal Treatment, you will return to your own general dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

You will need to practice good oral hygiene and have regular Dental check ups and Hygienist appointments with your Dental Practice following your treatment.

What if Root Canal Treatment fails?

Most root treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth.

In a few cases, a tooth which has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues.

Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after a successful treatment, often when this occurs repeating the endodontic procedure can save the tooth, this is called Root Canal Re-Treatment.

Price Guide

*Consultation Fee £80

*The consultation fee will be deducted from the total cost of treatment

Following your consultation appointment you will be given a printed Treatment Plan with associated costs and appointments for your consideration.

If you are in pain or have already made the decision to proceed with Root Canal Treatment we can offer you an extended appointment to begin your treatment directly following your consultation appointment.

We are open on Saturdays and have onsite parking

Incisors, Canines and Pre Molars £800

Molars £900

*For Re Treatment cases £100 is added to the above fees

Composite Core and Fibre Posts £150 - £250

Get in touch to book a consultation

Call 01732453214 or complete the contact form below