Root Canal Treatments at Ravenscourt Dental Practice
Decay and infection are common causes of tooth damage and can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
When the infection spreads to the blood or nerve supply to the tooth, it travels to the root canal system, leading to dental pain and tooth loss.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to remove the infected root and save a damaged tooth.
Is root canal treatment always the best option?
When the root canal becomes infected there are two options available for patients – extraction or root canal treatment.
While there are many excellent solutions for tooth loss such as an implant, a fixed bridge or a removable denture, we would always recommend keeping the original tooth whenever possible.
Root canal treatment is generally very effective, a treated tooth can last for a lifetime.
Decay and infection are common causes of tooth damage and can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
When the infection spreads to the blood or nerve supply to the tooth, it travels to the root canal system, leading to dental pain and tooth loss.
How is a root canal carried out?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to remove the infected root and save a damaged tooth.
Although the root canal procedure is an invasive one, it shouldn’t be a painful one as we will ensure the area is fully numbed using local anaesthetic first. In order to remove the infected root and thoroughly clean the area, your dentist will first make a hole to access the affected root and remove it, before going in with an anti-bacterial solution to ensure any remaining infection is removed.
We will then fill the cavity using a rubber material which works to seal the hole up whilst the area heals, this helps to prevent any further infections from getting in. We will later go in to put a permanent filling in its place, or you may need a crown, which will help to protect the tooth whilst giving it proper shape and structure and ensuring it functions as it should.
Is root canal treatment always the best option?
When the root canal becomes infected there are two options available for patients – extraction or root canal treatment.
While there are many excellent solutions for tooth loss such as an implant, a fixed bridge or a removable denture, we would always recommend keeping the original tooth whenever possible.
Root canal treatment is generally very effective, a treated tooth can last for a lifetime.
However, it is common for the tooth to need some additional reinforcement, usually in the form of a crown but this varies from case to case.
Is root canal treatment expensive?
Root canal treatment is the preferred option for most patients as it allows them to keep their natural tooth and is usually more cost-effective compared with extraction or an implant or bridge.
Who can carry out a root canal treatment?
Depending on your case, your treatment can be carried out by our dentist who is qualified in root canal work. However, if you have a particularly complex case we may refer you to a specialist endodontist who only carries out root canal treatment.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
In most cases, root canal treatment causes very little pain. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and the area may be a little tender for a few days. If you need additional pain relief, this is something your dental practitioner can provide.
Do you have a tooth you are worried about? If so, contact Ravenscourt Dental Practice now at 020 8748 4023 or email: [email protected]
