Endodontics is a specialised dental treatment that involves the pulp or nerve of a tooth that has become permanently inflamed or infected, and requires skilled practitioners to perform.
A tooth comprises three main parts:
For a tooth abscess or infection, MD.co.uk can put you in touch with the top endodontists near you for root canal treatment. By removing infected tissue, this process keeps teeth in place until the time comes for them to be lost. Dentists use advanced fibre optic lights and magnified surgical loupes for clear visibility of small root canal openings.
For the procedure, the area is numbed with anaesthetic, for comfort, and a rubber dam is placed to isolate the tooth and keep it dry, sterile and free from the contamination of saliva. Flexible titanium Protaper files sculpt the canals, reducing the chances of breaking them, and eliminating cross-contamination. Using devices such as electronic apex locators, the length of the canals is precisely measured, and the canals are washed with potent disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite or, occasionally, iodine.
Specialised equipment aids the precise placement of filling materials. The more sophisticated devices, such as the HotShot and the HotTip, seal as effectively as possible because they can get into the tight canals, and that minimises the chance of reinfection.
The pulp of the tooth attaches to jawbone and gum. If the pulp becomes infected, bacteria can travel to the root canals, causing painful abscesses or even periodontal disease. Root canal therapy is a highly structured attempt at tooth salvage, involving the removal of infected pulp, disinfection of the canal system, and obturation (sealing) of the canal with artificial materials.
While root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, an experienced endodontist can make the experience almost painless. The use of such sophisticated techniques, including sodium hypochlorite, electronic apex locators, and Protaper files, makes it more comfortable and effective. If you’re concerned about the procedure, a consultation with your dentist can provide reassurance and detailed insights into each step.
MD.co.uk connects you with highly qualified root canal specialists near you. These endodontists are trained and qualified to perform these complex root canal therapies very accurately and gently. A retreatment has a much lower success rate than a first-time root canal, so it's important to select a specialist with experience.
Root canal therapy is required when the soft tissue of a tooth is inflamed or infected. Common symptoms include:
The root canal is usually done in stages:
The dentist numbs the area with local anaesthesia and places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it sterile.
Any fillings or crowns that are present are pulled out so the remaining tooth structure can be measured. The treatment might require a new filling or crown.
The dentist opens the root canal, cleans it out, and irrigates the canals with antibacterial solutions.
After cleaning the canals, they are packed with a special substance to seal and protect the tooth. Radiography can be used to ensure that all canals are filled correctly.
Often, a temporary crown is used to cover the tooth and keep bacteria from returning to what has already been treated.
Root canal treatment is an advanced dental procedure that preserves the tooth and alleviates pain from infection. MD.co.uk connects you with the best endodontists near you to ensure you receive the best possible standard of care and treatment. Take the next step and schedule your consultation today!
You need to wait for the anaesthetic to wear off before eating after the procedure. Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, and avoid sticky or hard foods to prevent dislodging the filling. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
Most patients can return to work the following day. Patients who have sedations may require an extra day or two of recovery.
The things to think about when arranging a root canal.