NHS & PRIVATE DENTAL PRACTICE
At Slipshoe Street Dental Practise we look to make sure our patients are full aware of the detail around Endodontics. If you need more info please contact us.
Endodontics overview
All healthy teeth have within them soft tissue containing a blood supply and nerves. This tissue (pulp) within the core of a tooth extends down the tooths roots via root canals. Teeth have up to four of these canals depending on their anatomy. A front tooth will usually have one canal whilst molar teeth will generally have three and sometimes 4.
Sometimes due to decay and trauma the tissue in the tooth can become inflamed causing pain. This inflammation can progress to the irreversible damage to the tissue causing pain and infection. Once this happens the tissue needs to be removed to keep the tooth in the mouth. This procedure is called Root canal Treatment.
A dentist will use narrow files to remove the tissue and clean/disinfect the canals. Once the canals have been cleaned and free from infected tissue they can be filled up (root canal filling), the rest of the visible tooth above the gum can then be restored.
As a root treated tooth has no blood supply and is ‘dead’ it may discolour and be more brittle than a healthy tooth. A crown is recommended afterwards to restore and protect the tooth.
Whilst a sometimes lengthy procedure over two or three visits our dentists will do all they can to ensure it is both painless and comfortable.
Your general dental practitioner will be able to do the vast majority of root canals. But in some cases if the root canal is more complicated, you may need to see an endodontist. This is a dentist who has spent several additional years studying this specialty after finishing their dental degree post-graduate training.
The endodontist will carry out the advanced treatment. It is our goal to save your natural teeth wherever possible. However, an endodontist will look at all treatment options to determine the best course of action for your individual case.
Preventive Care
Here at Slipshoe Street we put prevention of disease and maintenance of oral/dental health above all else. This can help prevent the need for treatment.
