Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural teeth, which is why we will always do our best to maintain them.
But problems such as decay and disease can impact a tooth. Fortunately, advances in dental technology now mean that it is easier than ever to save teeth wherever possible.
One procedure that does this is called root canal treatment (or endodontic treatment), which is available at our Guildford dental clinic. Root canal treatment treats an infection inside a tooth, offering relief from dental pain and, ultimately, saving your teeth.
Endodontic treatment addresses disease or injury to the soft tissue inside a tooth called dental pulp that extends from crown to roots. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, we can remove it relieving your pain and discomfort.
We numb the tooth, so you won’t feel anything and a shield isolates the tooth to keep it dry and clean. Fluid is put in the canal to rinse our debris and get rid of the infection and the pulp is removed. Using small files we clean and shape the canal, then fill and seal the root canals.
A temporary filling is used to close the opening and the tooth is then restored with a permanent filling or crown at a later date.
If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread, sometimes leading to an abscess, and the tooth may need to be taken out.
No. Usually, a local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. There may be some tenderness afterwards but this should gradually get less over time.
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed, and any abscesses can be drained. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Clean your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. See your dentist as often as they recommend.
A tooth that has had root canal treatment often lasts a lifetime, so you can smile with confidence.
If you are looking to add sparkle to your smile in a tranquil setting, click here or request Root Canal Treatment in Guildford by calling 01483 573 889
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