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The pulp is the soft tissue at the tooth’s centre that contains the nerve and blood supply to the tooth. The most common procedure involving the pulp is root canal treatment.
A root canal treatment is a procedure that involves the removal of the soft tissue within a tooth that has become infected or inflamed. This soft tissue is referred to as “pulp.”
When the pulp becomes infected, it can be incredibly painful to eat or chew and there may be swelling after the pulp is removed. The root canal is cleaned, disinfected and filled with a non-reactive material. A filling is then put over it to seal the root canal filling and prevent further bacterial infection. If the tooth needs more support it may need a crown or an onlay.
A root canal can prevent a tooth from being extracted and can also relieve the pain and discomfort from an infection.
Why might I need to have a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is the treatment required for an inflamed or infected pulp, and where the remaining tooth structure can still be restored. An infected and inflamed pulp can lead to toothache and treatment. However, a tooth can show signs of an infection and still be pain-free or may have an infection for a long time without showing any signs or symptoms. Once an infection is diagnosed, having root canal treatment will essentially save a diseased tooth from extraction. Signs of infection severe enough to need root canal treatment are:
Our dentists are knowledgeable and highly experienced in pain management techniques and root canal treatments, and will ensure their patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
What causes pulp damage and discomfort?
The most common causes of pulp damage are:
When is it time to see your dentist for a root canal treatment?
If you are experiencing any pain, extreme sensitivity, or swelling of the face or gums then you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will examine your specific case and determine the best treatment option.
Why should the pulp be removed?
If a damaged or infected pulp is not removed the bacteria can infect and damage the bone around the root eventually causing a cyst or extensive bone loss. At this stage, the tooth may have to be extracted.
How is root canal treatment performed?
A root canal treatment is a delicate process. The success of the treatment is related to the complexity of the tooth itself and the competency of the dentist. At Platinum Dental Care we have specific dentists that have a special interest in endodontics and are highly skilled at performing root canal treatments.
The process of a root canal treatment is outlined below:
The tooth will initially be thoroughly investigated and tested and any risks or complications will be explained. The tooth and the area around it will then be numbed to prevent pain or discomfort during the treatment. If the tooth cannot be numbed because of the size of the infection, it’s unlikely that your dentist will continue with the treatment, and the infection may have to be treated systemically first.
Next, a rubber dam will be placed to isolate the tooth which keeps it clean and allows better visibility for the dentist as well as comfort for the patient. Once the tooth is fully numb, the old filling or decay is removed, including the infected pulp. This will then give access to the root canals which are progressively disinfected, shaped and filled. The tooth is then restored with a core filling and then prepared for either a crown or an onlay on the same or following appointment. Various x-rays may be taken during the treatment to check the progress.
The permanent crown or onlay will be fitted 1-2 weeks later to seal the root canal treatment and restore its look and function.
How long will a tooth that has had root canal treatment last?
The success and survival of a root treated tooth depend on many factors such as the state and anatomy of the tooth, and size of the infection prior to the root canal treatment, any complications during treatment, any decyl or fracture of the tooth after the root canal treatment and any gum disease. Having regular dental exams and cleaning can help to keep your mouth healthy and improve your survival of root treated teeth.
What is the “pulp” of a tooth?
The pulp is the soft, living tissue which extends from the centre of the tooth (pulp chamber) into the roots. It contains nerves, tissue, and blood vessels and is housed by two hard outer layers of dentine and enamel.
Signs that you might need a root canal
Some infected teeth can be painless and show no outward signs of infection and can only be detected on a dental x-ray. Despite this, infections will not heal on their own, and it is vital that routine dental exams are scheduled to check for the possibility of infected teeth and prevent infections. If you are in pain with a toothache or have swelling please book an emergency appointment with us.
What happens during a root canal?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that generally consists of two appointments (although more appointments may be needed).
Some patients may require a crown (‘cap’) on top of the tooth that provides additional protection, support and a seal for the tooth structure following the root canal.
Patients should avoid biting down hard on the treated tooth until after the crown has been fitted to prevent the tooth from cracking.
Benefits of a root canal.
There are many benefits to undergoing a root canal treatment, including:
How will I feel after my root canal?
Some patients may experience some discomfort during the first few days after their root canal treatment. You may be prescribed antibiotics to guard against infection if you have swelling. A few days after the root canal is completed, the discomfort should dissipate and you can resume eating, chewing and talking normally.
How long will my restored tooth last?
A tooth with a root canal can last for many years if you keep up with your daily cleanings and regular dental exams and professional cleanings. The longevity does also depend on several other factors including the state of the underlying tooth structure, level of initial infection etc.
The dentists at Platinum Dental Care are available to answer any questions you may have about a root canal treatment. Contact them to learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
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Platinum Dental Care is easily the friendliest, most professional and highest quality dentist in London. The whole team consistently does everything they can to make sure you get the best treatment possible. Their communication about appointments is always excellent and the practice is a warm…
I found Platinum Dental Care after relocating while mid-way on an implant treatment. Dr Marios was very patient and diligent on making it all work to perfection. And Dr Patel was amazing at finding and fixing issues before they became a problem. The practice is…
I was smiling when I walked in and left smiling when I walked out. Millie was professional, friendly and reassuring throughout the duration of my appointment. As a healthcare professional myself I really appreciated Millie's efforts to make sure I was okay throughout the procedure.…
Sarika is the best dentist. I have been with her for 2 years and cannot be happier with my teeth now
Big Thank you for Ana at the reception to go out of her way to get an appointment. Thank you for Nadia to be fantastic. The place is 4.9 star on google for a reason.
Highly recommend this place. I've been to a few other private dental practices in London - Bloomsbury, London Bridge and Moorgate, but this place is my favourite and I'd recommend this practice for both check ups and hygienist visits. They are thorough with their explanations…
Visited Yana the dental hygienist this morning. Brilliant service and lovely lady. Teeth squeaky clean and unlike some hygienists the procedure was not painful at all. Highly recommended.,
I would like to thank everyone from the reception team and also Yana the hygienist and above all Dental surgeon Dr Ronak Patel who always gave the best treatment possible and is kind and friendly manner always made it a pleasure to attend the practice…
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From making the appointment through to treatment the whole experience was beyond pleasant experience. The reception staff are very friendly and welcoming and Dr Sarika Shah is so polite and respectful. She had treated me with great dignity. I have never had such a thorough…
I have an unsightly chip on one of my front teeth from an accident in my teens. The original filling fell out 2 years ago, and I went to an NHS dentist that did a very rushed and poor quality job at patching it. Unsurprisingly,…
Last year I made the decision to start Invisalign treatment with Platinum Dental and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the initial consultation to completion of the treatment Dr Sarika Shah was amazing at guiding me through the whole…
The staff were very friendly and helpful. Dr Patel was excellent with his diagnosis and treatment. I thoroughly recommend this practice.
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