Root Canal Treatment in London

Root canal or endodontics, is the procedure used to treat infection and a damaged nerve, deep inside the tooth root. This modern treatment involves minimal pain to save teeth that would otherwise need to be taken out. At Camden High Street Dental Practice, our dentists offer root canal treatment in Camden, London by using the latest technology to treat the most complicated cases.

Causes for root canal infection

A root canal infection may arise for various reasons, though the main problem is usually penetration of bacteria into the pulp. The reasons for root canal infections can be determined by how bacteria invade tooth pulp.

The main causes of root canal infection.

• Dental decay allowing bacteria to penetrate into the pulp and infect it
• A damaged or cracked tooth that opens the way for bacteria
• An avulsed tooth that enables bacteria to penetrate into the pulp
• Various kinds of tooth displacements due to intrusion, extrusion or subluxation
• Sterile necrosis due to tooth concussion like tooth discoloration or calcified canals that can be detected by X-ray
• Abnormality of tooth anatomy that enables bacteria to infect the pulp tissue
• Repeated dental treatments on the same tooth

Symptoms identified by the patients:

Dentists can determine the necessity for a root canal only through examination. Some symptoms that root canal work could be necessary might be:

• Gum tenderness
• Severe pain
• Excessive swelling

Steps of root canal therapy:

• First, the cause of the problem will be diagnosed. Though not all pulp infections cause pain, the bacteria will slowly spread. If you suspect any kind of problem, our diagnosis will detect it quickly.
• The root canal therapy is a simple procedure. Your endodontist will create a hole at the top of the tooth. Disinfectants are usually used to clean inside and the root canal will then be dried. A rubber filling will then be inserted and a temporary filling placed at the opening of the crown.
• After this, the placing of the dental crown will be designed to seal your tooth and protect it long-term from infection or damage.

Benefits of root canal therapy:

• This kind of dental problem can be very painful and treatment can bring great relief.
• Prompt root canal treatment can prevent the spread of infection.
• Treatment will help to prevent the formation of a dental abscess around the tip of a problematic tooth.
• Root canal treatment will not have any negative impact on the biting force or sensation. The problematic tooth will need just a few days to recover completely.
• The treatment will allow you to resume natural chewing and will save the tooth.
• Root canal treatment enables you to protect surrounding teeth.
• Saving your own tooth can avoid the need of costly dental implants and crowns or feeling self conscious about missing teeth.

Root canal aftercare

A patient may feel some discomfort for a few days after the treatment with tooth sensitivity or some mild pain. In such cases, over the counter pain killers can be taken.

The last stage of root canal work is the final restoration of tooth. For this the dentist may use a crown. Root canal aftercare will not require any special measures from a patient other than being careful with the treated tooth because it will not be as strong as it was before the infection.

Cost of root canal treatment at our dental clinic:

Below is the list of fees that your dentist will explain at the time of consultation.

FAQs on root canal:

How painful is root canal?

Root canal treats the infected pulp, preserving the remaining tooth. An individual will be given anesthetic before starting the procedure so that it is no more painful than having a filling.

How many appointments are needed for root canal treatment?

The front teeth usually have one canal while the back teeth will have several canals. Root canal therapy usually requires one to three dental visits, depending on the complexity of the canal system and curved roots and canals that may require many visits or a complicated infection that may take a long time to resolve.

What is the rate of failure for root canal treatment?

Although the initial root canal procedure usually has a success rate somewhere between 85% and 97%, nearly30% of endodontist’s work usually consists of re-doing root canal failure that has been done by someone else. Root canals usually fail due to one of the following five reasons:

• Missed canals
• Incompletely treated canals due to complex anatomy and ledges
• Remaining tissue
• Fracture
• Bacterial post-treatment leakage

How long will my root canal treatment be effective for?

After root canal treatment, the restored tooth may last for a life time if you take proper care of your teeth and gums. However, it is advised that you go for routine checkups from your dentist to monitor the overall condition of your mouth and teeth. As long as the roots of a treated tooth are nourished properly by the tissues, the tooth will stay strong and healthy.

What happens when you do not have root canal treatment if it is needed?

An infected tooth will remain infected until the tooth is removed or until root canal treatment is performed. If it is not treated, the infection may spread further. When root canal treatment is needed and not performed, then it can be the reason for severe consequences that may even pose a risk to life, if sepsis develops.

Can I brush my teeth after the root canal?

You may brushy our treated tooth gently but you should avoid flossing initially, if the temporary filling has been placed in the space between the teeth. Get in touch with our dental practice if you have been experiencing discomfort for more than one week, even after the treatment.

Can I eat normally after a root canal therapy?

After the procedure has been done, you will have to wait till the numbness in your mouth wears off before you eat anything, so that you do not bite your tongue or cheek. Do not bite or chew with the treated tooth till it has been completely restored by a dentist, in order to avoid damaging it further.

How long will my mouth remain numb after root canal treatment?

After the root canal procedure, your tooth will remain numb for several hours. It will usually require a few weeks for healing and for the soreness to resolve completely. Your dentist will give you advice and offer follow up treatment with either a crown or filling, if necessary.

Can I return to work after a root canal?

Yes, you can. You will be numb for 2-3 hours after the dental appointment, but should be able to continue with your schedule. Make sure you do not eat anything until the numbness has worn off.