Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment (also called Endodontics) is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected through tooth decay or damaged by an injury to your mouth. This infection may spread through the root canal system, which could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out.

Our dentists can perform root canal treatment to stop the infection from spreading and will preserve as much of your tooth as possible. Using specific techniques and advanced equipment, you will receive a local anaesthetic and the treatment overall should feel no different to having an ordinary filling placed. The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits.

To keep your mouth in tip-top shape we recommend you come in for regular hygiene appointments and dental check-ups.

• A detailed analysis of your oral health history to determine any risk factors that you might have.
• A thorough examination of the outside of your mouth, head and neck by observation and touch
• A thorough internal examination of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks and under your tongue.
• A handheld scanning device may also be used to examine any lumps or lesions that you might have.
• Any inconclusive findings will be referred to a specialist consultant.

It is recommended that you come in for a screening on a yearly basis. If you have any sores, lumps or long-term ulcers in your mouth, no matter how small, it is very important that you come in to have it looked at. Because smoking is strongly linked with many forms of cancer and other dental problems, we always encourage our patients to quit smoking. An excellent source of information is the Mouth Cancer Foundation if you require any further information.

Life Benefits

• Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves the prognosis.
• Sustained good oral health.
• Sustained good general health.

For more information regarding this treatment