SureSmile® Clear Aligners

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.

Our waiting times for an NHS examination and treatment appointments, for new and historic patients, vary. Our reception team will happily update you on current waiting times.

The NHS contract funds a set amount of dental activity for the year and we are obliged to deliver this evenly over the twelve months.

The level of NHS funding provided  is not high enough to enable us to meet the demand for NHS care that exists.

These factors lead to long waiting times to access NHS care.

Private care can be provided at all times with a minimal wait.

Your dentist will be happy to go through all available options including that of accessing some treatment options on a private basis alongside an NHS course of treatment.

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.

Gentle massage of the treated skin is beneficial. However, you should not touch the area for at least six hours following treatment. The correct massage techniques will be demonstrated during your consultation.

Exemption

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if, on the first day of treatment, they are:

• Under 18 years of age
• Aged 18 and in full-time education
• An expectant mother
• A woman who has had a baby in the previous 12 months

Remission

Patients do not have to pay any NHS dental charges for a course of treatment if they or their partner are currently receiving:

• Income Support (Incapacity benefit and Disability Living Allowance does NOT count)
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (Contribution-based does NOT count)
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (Contribution-related does NOT count)
• Pension Credit guarantee credit (Savings Credit on its own does NOT count)
• Universal Credit (in the last assessment period there were no earnings, or earnings were within the allowed limit, please check at www.healthcosts.wales.nhs.uk)

Patients can be exempt from paying if they have a valid NHS low income scheme certificate HC2 for full help. Payment can be reduced if they are named on a valid HC3 certificate.

It is impotant the information you give us is contemporary and accurate.If you are unsure if you are exempt from NHS dental charges, please discuss with reception.

• Stimulates cell growth and cell division, accelerating healing and regeneration in a range of treatments.
• Reduces inflammation, swelling and discomfort after surgical procedures.
• Reduces infection risk.
• Helps build connective tissues.
• Shortens recovery periods.