Endodontics

Within each tooth, there is a small chamber with soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. These tissues are known as the pulp. If the internal chamber is breached following an injury or dental decay, bacteria can reach the vulnerable tissues. If the pulp has become infected, it will need to be removed with root canal treatment. It’s essential for us to treat it to relieve the pain and stop the infection in its tracks.

When a tooth has experienced significant decay which has extended to the core of the tooth, where the pulp is, root canal treatment may be needed to stop the spread of infection and save your tooth. A cracked tooth may also represent the need for a root filling.

Once in a while, a tooth can have a complex root canal anatomy, thus making it more difficult for a general dentist to perform a high standard root filling. This is mainly the case in failed root fillings which need to be redone, or molars with more than 3 canals, or very curved roots. In these instances, the patient will be referred to a specialist in endodontics, who will perform the root filling under a microscope.

Although root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, it is often nowhere near as bad as you are expecting! The procedure should be no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling, and you will likely feel great relief once you are no longer in pain from the infection.

Some people opt to leave the tooth as it is, but this is not the best solution due to infection and discomfort. The main alternative to endodontic treatment is to have the affected tooth removed, thus eliminating the pain and infection. We try to avoid this, as it is much better for you to keep your natural tooth. An extraction also incurs additional costs relating to filling the gap left in your smile. Occasionally, removing the tooth is inevitable, but we will talk to you about your options in full.

The best way to look after your tooth following endodontic treatment is to keep up with a regular brushing and flossing routine. Root filled teeth are still prone to decay, so need to be cared for properly.

To book your root canal treatment at Covent Garden Dental Spa, please get in touch. You can call us on 0207 836 9107, email info@coventgardendentalspa.co.uk or book online. We can’t wait to hear from you!