×
Request A Callback
Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatments may have a bad reputation, but they are one of the most common dental procedures today. A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to decay or injury.
We understand how nerve-wracking it can be to hear about root canal treatments, but we want to put your mind at ease at London Dental Specialists. Our experienced specialists are here to provide you with top-notch dental care in a comfortable and beautiful environment. Without treatment, this infection can spread into the surrounding tissues and cause serious damage. But don’t worry – our specialists are highly trained and skilled in performing root canal treatments with minimal discomfort for our patients.
-
- Root canal treatments are a common dental procedure for infected or inflamed tooth pulp.
- Non-surgical root canal therapy is the most commonly performed type of root canal.
- Root canal (Endodontic) specialists are the best choice for treatment due to their expertise and experience.
- Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery and to avoid potential complications.
Root canal treatment (aka endodontic therapy) is typically used to treat tooth decay or pulp infection. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to severe pain and eventually result in tooth loss. Therefore, root canal treatments help save the tooth.
If you’re unsure about a root canal, it’s a dental procedure that involves cleaning and filling the inside of your tooth to prevent further damage or infection. This is something that London Dental Specialists excels at with their experienced team and high-quality service.
During a root canal procedure, the damaged or infected pulp inside your tooth is removed, and the area is cleaned thoroughly before being filled with the material to prevent further decay. This treatment saves your natural teeth and helps alleviate pain caused by infections.
Now that you know what a root canal entails, let’s delve into why this dental procedure may be necessary for you.
To save your tooth from further damage and potential abscess, you may need to undergo root canal treatment due to issues such as decay, injury, or loose fillings. Addressing these issues as soon as possible is important to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious problems.
Here are four reasons why root canal treatment is a beneficial option:
-
Prevention: By treating the infected area, you can prevent the spread of bacteria that could lead to further dental problems.
-
Risks: If left untreated, an infected tooth can cause severe pain and swelling, potentially requiring hospitalisation.
-
Cost-effectiveness: Root canal treatment is always less expensive than other dental procedures that may be required if the infection spreads.
-
Benefits: Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of having it extracted.
If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms requiring root canal treatment, such as severe toothache or sensitivity, please complete the form below. One of the team will contact you promptly.
Signs and symptoms that indicate the need for root canal treatments include severe sensitivity to hot and cold (particularly if it is recurrent), toothache/stabbing pain that lasts for hours or disturbs your sleep, gum swelling around the teeth, facial swelling, and discolouration. If a tooth has to be reattached because it was knocked out through trauma OR if the tooth was cracked because of trauma, the chances of needing this fantastic treatment is very high.
These signs require immediate attention from our specialist dental team. But don’t worry! Our experienced endodontists have received extensive training to diagnose and treat these issues. We can perform a pain-free root canal procedure using modern dental techniques and anaesthetics to save your damaged tooth from extraction.
With our state-of-the-art equipment and personalised approach to treatment, you’ll leave our practice with a beautiful smile and renewed confidence in your oral health. Now that you understand the signs and symptoms requiring root canal treatment let’s discuss the different types of root canal procedures available at London Dental Specialists.
Non-surgical root canal therapy is the most commonly performed type of root canal and involves accessing the tooth through a small hole drilled into its surface. During this procedure, our specialists remove the infected pulp and root canals of your tooth, sanitise it, fill it with rubber (gutta-percha), and cover it with a dental crown designed to resemble your natural tooth.
In some cases, a surgical root canal or endodontic surgery may be recommended if a bacterial infection has spread to the surrounding jawbone or if a tooth becomes further compromised after a traditional non-surgical root canal.
Aftercare tips following either procedure include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication and keeping your head elevated while applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort during recovery.
When considering cost comparison between non-surgical versus surgical Root Canal Treatment options, our experienced team can provide transparent estimates tailored to each case.
So why should a specialist carry out your Root Canal Treatment? Let’s find out in our next section!
A root canal specialist (aka specialist endodontist) is the best choice for ensuring success and minimising discomfort regarding root canal treatment because they undergo a minimum of three years of full-time specialist training after completing dental school. They also tend to do root canal treatments all day, every day, and their personal experience and expertise allow them to perform with precision techniques that improve outcomes. At London Dental Specialists, we have a unique warranty, i.e. in the highly unlikely event that a root canal treatment fails within 12 months, the money you have paid will be deducted from the cost of a dental implant.
One major advantage of seeing an endodontic specialist is their use of advanced equipment, such as operating microscopes, which provide high magnification and accuracy during treatment. This allows for more thorough cleaning of the root canals, reducing the risk of reinfection or complications down the line. Additionally, specialists have a greater success rate than general dentists due to their expertise and experience in dealing specifically with complex cases. Choosing a specialist for your root canal treatment gives you access to these benefits, ultimately leading to better results and long-term oral health. So why settle for anything less?
Moving on to the next section about ‘Does root canal treatment hurt,’ it’s important to understand what you can expect during this common procedure.
Pain-relieving measures are used throughout the procedure, including local anaesthesia before we begin. You may feel some pressure during the treatment but no significant pain. Modern root canal treatments (carried out by a specialist) are no longer the traumatic and painful experiences they once were.
It’s common for patients to believe that root canal treatments are extremely painful procedures resulting in days of agony. However, this is one of many misconceptions about root canals. Although mild sensitivity may occur after the anaesthetic wears off and potential pain or sensitivity could last a few days, these can easily be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
With good oral health practices like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash and reducing sugary foods/drinks in your diet, and regular dental visits and cleanings, you can experience long-term benefits from successful root canal treatments. Remember that further cleaning sessions may help reduce residual pain and prevent future damage by fitting a crown over the treated tooth if necessary.
Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
Fortunately, there are a couple of options available to help alleviate your concerns. Certain foods and herbs can help temporarily reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area if you prefer natural remedies. However, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, dental implants or bridges may be suitable options for replacing an extracted tooth.
Additionally, sedation options and pain management techniques can be utilised during a root canal procedure to make it as comfortable as possible. Ultimately, the best action will depend on your needs and preferences.
The success rate of saving a tooth through root canal specialist is very high, with over 95% of cases achieving positive outcomes under the best circumstances. Factors affecting root canal success include the personal experience and expertise of the dentist, as well as the complexity of the root canals. Endodontists, specialists in this field, often achieve greater success due to their additional training and experience, as well as their specialised equipment, such as operating microscopes for high magnification and accuracy.
However, it is important to note that there can be complications and risks associated with root canal treatments. Some patients may experience discomfort or swelling after the procedure, although these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction are generally positive following successful root canal treatment. To ensure optimal recovery and minimise potential complications, following proper aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or endodontist is important. At London Dental Specialists, we have a unique warranty, i.e. in the highly unlikely event that a root canal treatment fails within 12 months, the money you have paid will be deducted from the cost of a dental implant.
Meta-analyses showed that the weighted pooled success rates were estimated to be 92.6% (95% CI: 90.5%–94.8%) under ‘loose criteria’ and 82.0% (95% CI: 79.3%–84.8%) under ‘strict’ criteria.
Your specialist dentist will prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication to help alleviate your symptoms, but discomfort’s normal for several days after the procedure.
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits post-treatment by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day. Avoid eating or drinking immediately after the procedure, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth until you feel comfortable enough to resume normal eating habits.
Regular follow-up appointments are essential for long-term care, allowing your dentist to monitor your progress and ensure no further issues arise in the treated tooth or surrounding areas. By taking care of yourself post-treatment, you’ll ensure your root canal treatment is successful!
Root Canal Treatment FAQ
What is specialist root canal treatment?
A: Specialist root canal treatment involves a procedure where the damaged, infected or inflamed pulp of a tooth is removed and then the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected. This procedure saves the original tooth and eliminates the need for tooth extraction.
Q: What is dental pulp?
A: Dental pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues, which is found in the centre of a tooth.
Q: Why may a tooth require root canal treatment?
A: A tooth may require root canal treatment if the dental pulp within the tooth becomes infected, inflamed or damaged. If left unaddressed, this can cause severe pain and can even result in the tooth falling out or being extracted.
Q: How is specialist root canal treatment done?
A: The procedure involves gaining access to the root canal system of the affected tooth, removing the infected or damaged pulp and cleaning the canal system thoroughly. Once this is done, a filling is placed inside the tooth to protect it from future infection or damage.
Q: What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
A: Signs that a root canal may be needed include persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums or face, a cracked or broken tooth, or darkening or discolouration of the tooth.
Q: How much does root canal treatment cost?
A: The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the severity of the damage and the tooth needing treatment. The American Association of Endodontists reports that the average root canal procedure cost is around £1,000, which can vary.
Q: What is the success rate of specialist root canal treatment?
A: Root canal treatment has a high success rate of around 95%, and can help to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by inflammation or infection inside the root canal system.
Q: What happens during a root canal procedure?
A: During a root canal procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth, use a rubber dam to keep the area dry, and then remove the affected pulp. Once the pulp and any debris or infection has been removed, a temporary filling is placed. A permanent filling or crown will be used to complete the treatment in a later session.
Q: Can a tooth that has had root canal treatment be restored with an implant?
A: A tooth that has had root canal treatment can still be restored with an implant if the tooth cannot be saved.
Q: What is the root canal system?
A: The root canal system comprises the small canal spaces and complex anatomy inside the root of the tooth.
Our Treatments
