Advanced Dentistry
T: 01752 343140
Endodontics or Root Canal Treatment in Plymouth
Root Canal Treatment at Larkham House
Also known as root canal treatment, endodontics is concerned with treating infection at the centre of the tooth (the root canal system). The aim of root canal treatment at Larkham House is to prevent your tooth requiring extraction by removing the damaged pulp and treating the infection.
This type of treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to:
- severe decay,
- repeated dental procedures
- a broken crown
- a crack or chip in the tooth
- cracked or loose fillings
- trauma to a tooth, such as a blow to the mouth.
If left untreated, the pulp can become infected and this may spread to the root canal, causing pain or lead to an abscess. Sometimes your tooth may look darker in colour than your other teeth, which means that the nerve inside your tooth is dead or dying. Without treatment, the infection may spread further into your jawbone and you may need to have your tooth taken out.
Endodontic Referral Service
We are now offering an Advanced Dentistry Referral Service from dental colleagues or from patients themselves for complex endodontic cases. We have the latest CBCT imaging scanner to enable advanced diagnosis for complex procedures and patient care. We aim to see patients within 7 days of receiving the referral. Please contact us for further details.
Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:
- an intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
- redness and swelling in your face
- a tender, discoloured and/or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
How is root canal treatment performed?
During root canal or endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, then the tooth is filled, sealed and restored with either a crown or filling for protection, leaving it as good as new. In most cases the inflamed tissue near the tooth will heal naturally.
After Endodontic treatment
It’s important to look after your teeth after root canal treatment. Avoid biting on hard foods until all of your treatment is complete. After your final treatment, your restored tooth may feel sensitive for a few days.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be used to relieve any discomfort. Return to your dentist if you continue to experience pain or swelling after using painkillers.
In most cases it’s possible to prevent the need for further root canal treatment by:
- maintain good oral hygiene
- avoid too much sugary food
- give up smoking if you smoke
Dr Jonathan Hope
GDC 154217
BSc (Hons), BDS, MSc
BDS Peninsula Dental School 2012
Dental Associate
Special Interest in:
Endodontics
Jonathan has a Master’s degree in Endodontics and carries-out most non-surgical Endodontic treatments including re-treatments.
He receives referrals for complex root canal that may prove to challenging for your own dentist treatments from across the South
West and is a member of the British Endodontic Society.
Jonathan utilises some of the latest technology including rotary and reciprocating shaping systems, active irrigation techniques, an operating microscope and digital radiography.
What do our patients say about treatment at Larkham House?
