Also known as root canal treatment, endodontics is concerned with treating the 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 from requiring extraction by removing the damaged pulp and treating the infection.
If left untreated, the pulp can become infected and this may spread to the root canal, causing pain or leading 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.
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.
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.
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:
Jonathan Hope is our dentist with a special interest in endodontics. He has a Master’s degree in Endodontics (root canal treatment) from the University of Chester. He revises referrals from across the Southwest and all treatment is carried out to the highest possible standard using an operating microscope and the latest techniques.
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