FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why I have been referred to a specialist Endodontist?
Your dentist might have felt that your tooth was particularly more challenging. This could be due to a number of different reasons such as complex root canal anatomy, difficult access to the tooth in question, problems in numbing up the tooth and surrounding area, retreatment of previous root canal treatment. At the root canal specialist we also receive referrals for cases of difficult pain diagnosis and referred pain.
What is a GDC registered specialist Endodontist?
What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is the specialised dental procedure by which the infected and necrotic remnants of the pulp tissue (nerves and blood vessels located in the root of the tooth), are carefully removed and thoroughly cleaned using small fine instruments (endodontic files) and disinfecting irrigating liquids. The clean root canal space is then filled with a biocompatible material which creates a tight seal in the root and prevents reinfection of the tooth.
When do I need a root canal?
Root canal treatment is necessary when bacteria invasion into the pulp of the tooth causes infection of the root canal, pain and in more extreme cases swelling/abscess, gum boil (sinus tract). This can be due to large decay (caries- deep cavity), a leaking deep filling , or trauma to teeth.
Benefits of a root canal
Carrying out a root canal treatment or retreatment will allow us to save a tooth that otherwise would need to be extracted, enabling the patient to chew properly and prevent negative consequences of tooth loss (tooth migration, food packing , gingival bleeding and inflammation).
What symptoms would tell me I need a root canal treatment?
What is a root canal retreatment?
Can all teeth be saved with root canal treatment ?
A great majority of teeth can be saved with root canal treatment providing that there is enough tooth structure remaining (above the gum level). The amount of tooth structure remaining will allow the tooth to be restored with a resilient cap/ crown following the root canal and prevent re-infection and leakage Into the root filling.
What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?
In cases where the tooth cannot be restored due to reduced tooth structure left, the patient can consider an implant, a bridge or denture. Nevertheless, overall cost-benefit a root canal carried out to the highest level of expertise as at the root canal specialist, will be better in the long run than a surgically placed implant.
What If I decide not to go ahead with the root canal treatment?
Unfortunately once infection reaches the root canal system and spreads to the bottom of the root, the only way to kill the existing bugs in the tooth is by either extracting the tooth or carrying out the endodontic treatment. If this is not done the chances of recurrent gum swelling and abscesses , draining pus (gum boil/sinus tract) and continuous bone resorption (apical lesion) are quite high.
Do I need a consultation?
How long does it take to complete a root canal?