WHAT IS ENDODONTICS?

Root canal treatment involves removing damaged or dead nerves and blood vessels in the tooth root that have become infected due to decay, cracks or trauma. The space left is then filled with a material that seals the tooth and keeps it functioning as before. Re-treatment involves the removal of existing root filling material, cleaning and disinfecting the canals and placing new filling material.

SPECIALIST ADVICE

Although endodontic treatment is carried out by many general dentists, there may be situations where a more predictable result may be achieved by a dental specialist, who has training to a higher level, more experience and equipment that general dentists may not use. There are dentists who have a "Special interest in Endodontics". Do be aware that having a special interest is NOT the same as being a "Specialist in Endodontics" who is officially registered as such with the General Dental Council.

The complexity of endodontic treatment can range from those cases that are completely straightforward to those that will challenge the specialist, especially in re-treatment cases. It is not always easy to predict which category a particular case may fall into. Similarly diagnosis and case assessment may also be difficult which is the reason for seeking specialist advice.

THE TREATMENT

A course of endodontic treatment for molar teeth usually requires a single appointment. During this appointment the damaged pulp is removed from the root canal and any abscess that may have formed is drained, the canal space is thoroughly made thoroughly clean. The root canal is prepared and shaped very carefully with precise instrumentation, since some canals may be no larger than the diameter of a human hair. The canal space is fitted and sealed and a temporary filling is placed over the top, ready for your dentist to complete the permanent filling on the top. Occasionally a second appointment may be required in particularly difficult cases.

A root filled tooth is still healthy tissue. All that has happened is that the central blood supply inside the tooth has been removed.

Endodontic treatment simply tries to ensure a balance of health is maintained and there is no recurrence of infection, while providing a sound foundation upon which your dentist can restore the tooth to normal function and appearance. We maintain to have a 96/98% success rate. Restoration of the tooth may require that your own dentist eventually places a crown on the root filled tooth in particular if it is a molar or premolar tooth.