Save your tooth with our root canal treatment. Our skilled dentists remove infected pulp, clean the root canal, and seal it, helping to restore the health of your smile.
Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and hard dentine is soft tissue containing blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve fibres called the pulp, (people often refer to it as “the nerve”), which is contained in the root canal system. This extends from the crown (top of the tooth) to the end of the root (bottom of the tooth).
If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected it can cause severe dental pain. In some cases, an infection can cause no symptoms at all and you may be unaware of an underlying infection.
Root canal treatment is a highly skilled procedure where the pulp is carefully removed, and the canal system cleaned, disinfected, shaped and sealed. This is usually completed in one or two visits, depending on the condition of the tooth and personal circumstances.
This means you can possibly save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed. Due to infection and complexity, success rates of such treatments vary, and will be discussed with you by the treating dentist. Re-root canal treatment (treating teeth with existing endodontic treatments that are failing), is considered a specialised treatment, and as such is best treated with the services of a suitably experienced and qualified dentist.
Our lead clinician, Kevin Burford, has completed comprehensive postgraduate training in endodontics. With complex cases, a microscope is essetial for him to visualise the canal system in detail, and occasionally a high-resolution 3D radiographic image is necessary to view the anatomy in detail. This advanced service with Kevin is available at our Cyncoed and Llanthewy road practices.
In our dental practice, our experienced dentists can identify the need for root canal treatment by assessing various signs and symptoms. These may include pain when consuming hot or cold items, discomfort while biting or chewing, tooth mobility, gum swelling, pus discharge, facial swelling, or tooth discoloration. While X-rays assist in diagnosis, even subtle abnormalities can be challenging to detect. It's important to note that not all painful teeth necessarily require root canal treatment, as each case is unique.
The infections caused by a diseased tooth may result in loss of the supporting bone and can have broader implications for your general health. Without treatment, the infection can become severe enough to warrant tooth removal. All of our dentists are trained in the provision of root canal treatment but some cases are more complex than others. Kevin Burford has studied root canal treatment at post graduate level and holds a Post Graduate Diploma PGDip in Endodontics. Our dentists will discuss all of your treatment options including the benefits of referral.
Prevention is key to avoiding root canal treatments. We advise that patients practice good oral hygiene by brushing your their twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to protect your teeth from injury. Regularly visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings to catch any potential issues early. Be proactive with your dental care to keep your teeth healthy and minimise the need for root canal treatments.
At our practises we utilise state-of-the-art technology and modern equipment to minimise any potential pain or discomfort during your treatment. Our skilled dentists deliver effective anaesthesia, ensuring the procedure is as comfortable as possible. After treatment, it is normal to experience mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. You can find relief by taking over-the-counter painkillers, readily available at your local pharmacy.
In the rare event of persistent or severe pain, or if you notice any swelling, we urge you to contact our dental team immediately. We are here to provide prompt assistance and address any concerns you may have. Our commitment to your comfort and satisfaction is our first priority, and we strive to make your root canal treatment a smooth and successful experience.
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I have a special interest in all aspects of Endodontics, notably root canal treatments, traumatology, restoration of root treated teeth and diagnosis of pain. I hold a post graduate diploma in Endodontology via the Simply Endo group in conjunction with the University of Chester....
With modern anaesthesia and techniques, root canal treatment is generally a pain free procedure. However it is likely that the patient will get some post-operative discomfort after the anaesthetic has worn off. In the vastmajority of cases this can be controlled with regular over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
You may have visited the dental practitioner if you had symptoms of a pulp infection such as:
An x-ray of your tooth may show the cause of pain or infection. Antibiotics are not effective in treating root canal infections. The two treatment options are removing the tooth or having a root canal treatment.
Get Expert HelpSaving your tooth with a root canal has the benefits of:
• A better bite and more efficient chewing.
• Keeping your natural teeth.
• Protecting your other teeth from wear and tear.
Your dental practitioner will take x-rays of the tooth and the area around it. The area will usually be numbed with a local anaesthetic and the tooth may then be covered with a small rubber sheet (rubber dam) isolating it, and any decay removed. The pulp chamber is accessed through the top part of the tooth. The pulp is removed and the canal system cleaned, shaped, disinfected and sealed. A permanent or temporary filling will be placed at the access site. Further treatments such as a crown might be advised.
Root canal treatment may take some time to complete over more than one visit depending on complexity.
In most cases, root canal treatment is successful and the tooth should settle over a few days and no longer cause pain. However, there is always some risk depending on the condition of the tooth, your oral hygiene, and the biting forces on the tooth.
Risks and complications include:
Mild temporary pain/discomfort due to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth.
The tooth might darken over time. There are procedures available which may lighten the tooth if this occurs.
Tooth fracture may occur due to reduced strength and durability of the tooth. Thi may lead to tooth extraction. This risk is reduced when a crown fitted.
Uncommon risks and complications:
The fine metal files used to clean inside the root canals may break during use and remain in the tooth, this may or may not affect the success rate of the root canal treatment.
Depending on the size and shape of the roots, there is some risk of creating a hole
in the side of a tooth root during the cleaning process, this is called a perforation.
If you experience persistent pain, return to your treating dental practitioner.
If you develop an infection return to your treating dental practitioner.
Root canal tratment might fail. The tooth may require further treatment or even extraction.
With all procedures there is a possibility that it may not work. This applies to root canal treatment as well as any other treatment. There are a variety of reasons why it may not work. some of these reasons include but are not limited to:
Failure to adequately disinfect, leaving bacteria in the canal system, resulting in recurrence of infection.
Failure to instrument all the canal system. In some teeth the root canals can be incredibly small (often as small as one tenth of a millimetre across or even smaller). Dentists who carry out a lot of root canals usually utilise high powered magnification to help them find and treat such small canals.
Failure to fill and seal the root canals adequately, allowing bacteria from the mouth to reinvade the root canal system and set up infection again.
Inappropriate instrumentation technique that does not allow for adequate disinfection and sealing of the root canals.
Severe fracture of the tooth leaving remnants that cannot be fixed again.
If the dentist feels there is a significant risk of treatment failure, possible causes will be discussed, so you can make an
informed decision regarding treatment.
The dentist will always fill the hole in the tooth after the root canal treatment. However, in some case the tooth may need a crown to protect the tooth, reducing fracture risk. Root filled teeth tend to be significantly weaker than healthy teeth and are prone to fracture. Not all teeth need crowns after root canal treatment, but it is common for the back teeth that do most of the chewing to need a crown after completion of root canal treatment. Your dentist will advise.
Yes, all dentists have training in Endodontics (the subject that covers root canal treatment). However, some dentists choose to continue with extensive post graduate training in this field, using advanced treatments, commonly with aid of a microscope. They also perform many more root canal treatments than the average general dentist? As a result, they tend to have a significantly higher success rate across the board in both complex and simple cases. It is not uncommon for a general dentist to offer the patient the choice of having them do it or referring it to a practitioner with more training and expertise if they feel the latter will offer a high chance of success. In some cases, the general practitioner will feel that a case is beyond their skill set and refer to a suitably qualified colleague.
The cost of root canal treatment is variable and depends on the complexity of each case. This complexity is influenced by type of tooth, its position in the mouth, what condition it is in and also to a lesser degree the patients’ medical history. You will be made aware of the cost of
treatment before embarking on the treatment.
With modern anaesthesia and techniques, root canal treatment is generally a pain free procedure. However it is likely that the patient will get some post-operative discomfort after the anaesthetic has worn off. In the vastmajority of cases this can be controlled with regular over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
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