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When is Root Canal Treatment needed?

Root Canal Treatment, also known as Endodontic Treatment, is needed when bacteria infect the pulp of the tooth and it becomes inflamed. This is caused by bacteria entering through decay, cracks in the teeth and when fillings start to fail. Even trauma to the teeth can result in Root Canal Treatment being needed. In certain circumstances it can also be done as a preventative treatment. Symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold, tenderness on biting and sometimes swelling although sometimes there are no symptoms at all.

The canals need to be cleaned and the bacteria removed using special files. A root filling is placed to ensure infection does not return. The tooth is then restored. If the root is not cleaned the infection will become worse and you could end up losing the tooth. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to help calm down the infection before treatment. Antibiotics will not resolve the problem. Only Root Canal Treatment will do this.

  • Infected teeth do not always have any symptoms but an x-ray will diagnose whether it is needed. A specialist called an Endodontist will carry out the treatment for you.
  • Depending on how infected your tooth is, it can take up to 2 visits to complete the treatment. Further treatment will be needed to restore the tooth, which a Cosmetic Dentist will do for you. Root Canal Treatment has an 85-95% success rate. This drops to 50-60% if the tooth is already root treated and needs to be treated again.
  • If you decide not to treat the tooth you may end up losing it. Infection will worsen beneath the tooth which can lead to bone loss resulting in extraction being the only treatment option.

Dr. Chirag Mehta - our dentist with a specialist interest in Endodontics

Root canal or endodontic treatment is very successful but some teeth may require further treatment in the future. At Perfect Smile Spa in Essex a dentist with a special interest in Endodontics performs your root canal treatment so you get the best results. Due to our reputation in the process we often take referrals from other dentists for endodontic treatment.

All of our highly experienced Dentists are based in Essex and promise PAINLESS dentistry due to their experience in anaesthetic techniques. We also have oral and IV sedation for nervous patients who may require a little help feeling comfortable during treatment.

If you are worried about root canal treatment call Perfect Smile Spa on 01708 207452 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk Perfect Smile Spa is a leading cosmetic dentistry clinic situated in Essex, London that has a special interest in root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Depending on which tooth is being treated, treatment can take about 1-2 hours. It is carried out under local anaesthetic and many patients are surprised how comfortable the treatment is. Sometimes a second visit is needed; this depends on the amount of infection present. Anti-inflammatory painkillers are advised for a few days after treatment.

Once the infection has been removed and a root filling placed, the tooth needs to be protected. If enough tooth structure is present usually an inlay/onlay is placed. If the tooth needs to be built up we place a fibre post. This provides a core for a crown to be placed.

Straight after the procedure – when a local anaesthetic is used to thoroughly numb the area being treated, this numbness in your lips, teeth or tongue might last for several hours after the procedure. You should avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Caring for your temporary crown or filling – a temporary filling is normally placed to protect your tooth. It is common for a small portion of a temporary filling to wear away or break off. This usually is not a problem. However, you should take these precautions to ensure that your temporary filling or temporary crown stays securely in place:

  • Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky or hard foods.
  • If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
  • Continue to brush normally.
  • Floss carefully each day, pulling the floss out from the side as you floss next to the temporary – lifting the floss out from the top can cause the temporary to come loose. We may advise you not to floss in some cases.

Free Consultation

Book our completely FREE CONSULTATION where we examine your teeth, discuss your expectations and then let you know which treatments will give you the results you want. We will of course answer any questions you may have about the process of improving the appearance of your smile.

Perfect Smile Spa is situated in Hornchurch, Essex, and with easy access to from London we are here to provide you with treatments that will give you a beautiful, healthy smile you’ll be proud of.

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If you would like further information,
please contact us on 01708 933296 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk

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