Endodontics
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment in Brighton
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (sometime referred to as endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) 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, and 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 root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance. Very often the tooth will need to be crowned after root canal treatment.
What if it happens again?
Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated.
What if I don’t have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, 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.
Where can this treatment be carried out?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which we carry out at our surgery. Very complicated cases where roots are extremely curved or root canals calcified may need to be referred to a specialist (endodontist).
What about aftercare?
Root canal treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.
Does it always work?
Sometimes Root Canal Treatment cannot resolve the infection. In those cases the tooth will either need an Apicectomy or Extraction.
Example of a root canal treatment
This is an example of a root canal treatment.
Patient had an active draining fistula on the buccal gum tissue at the premolar area and some level of discomfort.
At radiograph 1 a Gutta Percha point was placed in the fistula to assist diagnosis showing which tooth is causing the chronic infection. The less radioopaque area around the root of the premolar tooth is due to the bone damage caused by the chronic infection.
At radiograph 2 the root canal treatment has been completed and the root canal has been filled to the apex with Gutta Percha material. Gutta Percha is the material of choice in dentistry for filling in root canals. It will take up to 9 or even 12 months in some cases for the bone to heal around a root canal treated tooth as long as the root canal treatment is successful.
At radiograph 3 which was taken 3 months after the completion of the RCT it is clear that the bone has significantly recovered and clinically the fistula has disappeared from the gum.
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Patient
Testimonials
The whole team are wonderful.
“I have been coming to Brighton Dental Clinic to see Dr Lynsey Crothers for a number of years. I have always found her to be calm, kind, patient, thorough and truthful. I recently had some restorative/cosmetic work and I am over the moon with it and people have commented on my teeth/smile. She is a perfectionist and very skilled - I can't believe the difference. I would 100% recommend. The whole team are wonderful.”
Rebecca Santos
25 January 2023
Amazing team, very professional!
“There are absolutely no words to describe how amazingly thankful I am to everyone at the Brighton Dental Clinic. Thank you, Dr Ilias and Dr Lynsey, for all the support and help I have received over the last few weeks. I definitely recommend the clinic.”
Mihaela Popa
16 August 2022
Simply The Best
“I have been attending this clinic since the 80's. I suffer (or did) from dentophobia. I'm more or less coming to the end of my treatment as I'm now everyone's 'gum chum' (big full denture smile) and it's given me cause to reflect on the treatment I've had over the decades mainly Feroz Jafferji in the early days and latterly Mick Fillery. Not only the dental treatment but for me the tailormade treatment considering my fear and also physical problems which all needed to be catered for before treatment even started. I felt soothed on a psychological level but a physical one too and the gentle reassuring and expert treatment then given has been second to none and if I had all my teeth again (my fault they all had to go over the years to the tooth fairy due to my neglect) I wouldn't hesitate in seeing Mick and if I knew then what I know now I would never have had a fear of going. Thanks too to all the nurses and receptionists always so helpful pleasant and kind. I guess when my treatment, for a probably final denture, is complete, I will leave with a designer smile of relief but a little cavity in my heart that can never be expertly filled.”
Shelley Phoenix
20 April 2022
