If you are experiencing severe toothache, sensitivity, swelling or gum tenderness, you may need root canal treatment to enhance your oral health and get you out of pain. Effective treatment can save your natural tooth from extraction, a much better option for your long-term dental health. It also prevents further problems that could be caused by losing a tooth, including the expense of a replacement. We can also fit a crown to ensure a beautiful finish and optimal function.
Relieve tooth pain and remove infection
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, involves removing infected or damaged pulp tissues from the innermost part of the tooth. This prevents the spread of infection and ultimately can save the tooth from extraction. Root canal treatment is a highly effective way to alleviate severe pain, keep your natural tooth and return it to full function once more. Book your root canal appointment today!
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Your root canal treatment journey
1
Preparation
Firstly, we take an x-ray to accurately check the root canals of your tooth and make sure there are no signs of infection in the surrounding bone. We plan your treatment, which typically requires several appointments to complete. Between visits, your tooth will be covered and protected.
2
Cleaning & filling
Using a rubber sheet to keep your tooth dry, we carefully remove the infected pulp and flush the root canals with an antibacterial solution to thoroughly clean them. We always use local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort. We shape the canals and fill with a rubber compound material to seal the tooth and prevent further infection.
3
Sealing
Your treated root canal is sealed with a permanent filling. In some cases, we may need to use a crown to help restore tooth shape and functionality for a natural looking finish.
Meet our root canal dentist
Dr Pujaa Patel has a passion for root canal treatments, and is completing a Master’s programme in Endodontics. She combines advanced treatments with a patient-centred approach for safe and effective procedures and results. Pujaa is committed to ensuring every patient feels comfortable and informed during their treatment.
Read more about Pujaa
Frequently asked questions
The best way to look after your tooth following endodontic treatment is to keep up with a regular brushing and flossing routine. Root filled teeth are still prone to decay, so need to be cared for properly to keep them healthy.
With good care, your root canal treated tooth should definitely stay trouble-free and last a long time. Even without the pulp, your tooth remains intact because the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection. Sticking to your regular brushing and flossing routine is important, and regular dental check-ups help us spot any potential issues early, keeping your tooth in great shape.
Despite its reputation, root canal treatment is often nowhere near as uncomfortable as you might expect! Most people find the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. In fact, you'll likely feel a huge sense of relief once the pain from the infection is gone. We also use local anaesthetic to make sure you're comfortable throughout the process.
If it is properly cared for, your root treated tooth should function well for many years and cause no issues. In some cases, the treatment may need to be repeated, but this is rare.
The main alternative to root canal treatment is to have the affected tooth removed. This will certainly eliminate the pain and infection. However, we always try to avoid extractions because it's almost always better for you to keep your natural tooth. Also, removing a tooth often means additional costs to fill the gap in your smile later on, like with a bridge or implant. Occasionally, removing the tooth is unavoidable, but we'll always discuss all your options thoroughly with you.
After your root canal, you might experience some mild tenderness or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days. This is completely normal as your body heals. Over-the-counter pain medication can usually manage any discomfort. We also give you specific aftercare instructions to help you feel comfortable.