The root canal system is at the centre of a tooth and contains the soft pulp tissue. This includes the nerves and blood vessels.
Root canal treatment involves removing this tissue and filling the tooth before sealing it, usually with a Dental Crown.
When a tooth becomes damaged or decays, it can lead to infections caused by bacteria. When this affects the soft dental pulp, it will begin to die causing a further increase in the bacteria. This is likely to lead to an abscess and swelling of the face. This can be very painful and a root canal procedure will prevent it reaching this stage.
The only alternative option is to have the affected tooth removed, which could then be replaced by dentures, dental bridges or dental implants. Root canal treatment is likely to save the tooth.
In complex root canal cases your dentist will chose to refer you to a specialist in root canal treatment, an endodontist. An endodontist is someone who has qualified as a general dentist but undertaken further training in root canal treatment.
Endodontists will usually deliver a higher level of treatment over a general dentist due to their extra training and superior equipment.
This depends on individual factors such as the overall strength of the tooth and how well it is looked after both before and after the procedure. If good care is taken, it could last a lifetime although our dentist may be able to advise more clearly for.
If done correctly, root canal treatment will not be so painful. The success of treatment depends on the tooth itself, and the equipment used by our team.
Once the pulp has been removed, the nerves will no longer exist so you will not be able to feel any pain.
If the pulp is infected by bacteria, will antibiotics not work? Antibiotics usually offer temporary relief and it will flare up again unless the tooth is removed or root canal treatment is carries out. This is because the infection is in the pulp (nerve) within the tooth and this has to be removed.
Can infection re-occur after Root Canal Treatment? This is unlikely although there may be rare occasions where it can re-occur. It is easy to redo the procedure. Having treatment carried out by an endodontist reduces the chances of needing further treatment.
What happens during the procedure? The dentist will remove the infected pulp. They will remove the infected pulp and then clean the chamber to remove all the bacteria. Once this has been done, the chamber will be filled. This process may take more than one visit depending on each individual. To finish the procedure, a cap or crown will be fitted to seal the tooth.
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Ben Shapiro Naema is a fantastic hygienist! Went in with periodontal disease and after a frank talk and some really useful practical advice I’m on the road to recovery. Five stars. Jacqueline Smith Following my appointment of today with Naima Algwil, I am delighted with the service I have received. I am a nervous patient who has recently suffered with periodontitis, resulting in extremely sensitive gums. With the use of a hand-held mirror, Naima has taken time to explain and demonstrate clearly how to improve my brushing technique. She has also shown me how to use the Tepe brushes effectively. I have applied her recommendations which have made a considerable improvement to the health of my gums in a relatively short space of time. Naima has a very reassuring and professional manner. which I appreciate. I will continue to follow her advice. Thank you Naima! Kamyab Aberi I’ve recently had two fillings with Dr Malik and she has been amazing in terms of explaining everything and making me feel comfortable. I can not recommend her and the practice enough! L Odeh Our Dentist was very caring of all my children's needs including my 9 month old too. He helped make them feel at ease. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Offering the best care to each of them. Cko Mtnz I've been attending this practice for many years now, & I stay with the practice as the quality of the dentistry is superb. The work Dr Nilesh Bhavsar has done for me over the years has truly been second to none, he is very precise and displays excellent dexterity. Years ago I was butchered by an emergency dentist elsewhere who did a terrible extraction leaving shards of broken tooth in my gums, following that I registered here - not only did Dr Bhavsar fix that but apart from regular check ups, fillings etc I've had a couple of challenging issues such as a very complex trapped nerve/ root canal - that I'd previously been told I'd need to see a specialist for - & a bridge (with false tooth) to fill a gap. The dentistry has been beyond anything I've received elsewhere in 40+ years & I am deeply impressed and beyond grateful for the skilled care. I never feel rushed and I always get suggestions/ feedback on where I need to brush better or less hard. I also bring my child here to see another dentist and am equally pleased with the care, patience & understanding shown. In recent times the practice has invested in some remodelling, which has opened up the building entrance and reception area and it has made a great improvement. New phone system and some new reception staff are other positives and on my first visit of 2023 I was really impressed with seeing the changes & the overall uplift to the feel of the practice which is now a better reflection of the most important part, the excellent dental care. Ashley Sasa The staff at Pearl Smile have always been great, very welcoming and friendly. After my orthodontic treatment I needed a great deal of work on my teeth to get that perfect smile that I’ve always wanted. Dr Nilesh Bhavsar has been one of the best dentists that I’ve ever visited and advised me for the right treatment that I needed. His confidence and expertise really gave me the comfort knowing I was in good hands, he is such a perfectionist in his work. Thank you to all at Pearl Smile, I do have those perfect set of teeth now!! Alex Heatley Dr Bhavsar was excellent as always. Can't recommend enough. Amol Mody Been with them since a couple of years! Service is top notch. Very good dentists Dawn Geddes Just had my first crown fitted. Quick efficient and pain free. Been using this dentist for years and never been disappointed.
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