• Unfailing Kind Professionalism

    Dear Mr Scott, Having completed a prolonged period of treatment by you, I wish to say how much I appreciate the care & concern you have shown, particularly at trying times when things were not wholly straightforward - not your fault I hasten to add. Thank you. I also include in this tribute Mrs J […] Full Testimonial

  • Testimonial-Mrs M B

    "...... the most important thing is that you took time to explain what you were going to do and what the various consequences might be. During the proceedure I felt entirely at ease knowing that you were going to consider my feelings at all times. At the end of the day most adults are just […] Full Testimonial

  • Testimonial-Dr J J

    "Thank you all so very much for all the help and support you gave me during my recent troubles with my molar tooth. You were all absolutely wonderful and my treatment was so professional and done with such care." Dr J J […] Full Testimonial

  • Relief to be Able to Chew

    A little note of thanks for bravely rising to the challenge of doing my very narrow root canal filling! It is such a relief to be able to chew on both sides of my mouth again without fear of a shooting pain. :) Best wishes Margaret Hedley […] Full Testimonial

Root Canal Treatment

Your tooth consists of two main parts:
– the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth;
– the root(s), which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth called the root canal. This contains the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue) and is often referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the pulp of the tooth is infected through decay or injury.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth.
This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

Does it hurt?

No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

What does it involve?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The tooth is ‘isolated’ by wrapping it up with a clip and rubber sheet (a ‘rubber dam’).The infected pulp is removed and the root canal is then shaped and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve one visit to your dentist, persistent infections may require more appointments to clear the infection prior to sealing the tooth.At the first appointment, .

What if it happens again?

Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated or the tooth may be treated via a surgical approach.

What if I don’t have the treatment?

The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it cannot heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth longterm. It is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

Will the tooth be safe after treatment?

Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

Immediate Post-treatment care

For the first few days after treatment the tooth may feel a little ‘achy’, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Evidence shows that taking an anti-inflammatory just before and after the treatment (e.g. 400 mg Ibuprofen, “Nurofen Plus”), or if you have a medical condition that precludes you taking his type of painkiller (e.g. asthma, gastric ulcer), then 1000mg Paracetomol will help in minimising the discomfort.

Further information can be found on website

back to the top