Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics) - FAQs

What is Endodontic (root canal) treatment?

Endodontic treatment is also known as root canal treatment.

Inside the tooth’s hard outer layers, there is an area called the pulp or nerve. This can become damaged due to many reasons including decay, deep cavities, cracks or traumatic injury. This results in the nerve becoming inflamed or infected with bacteria.

Symptoms include pain to hot or cold, tenderness on biting, swelling or tenderness of the gum adjacent to the tooth. However, some infections may not give any symptoms.

When this has occurred, root canal treatment is the only way of saving the tooth and permanently relieving pain and infection.

Root canal treatment involves cleaning the damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth and replacing it with a permanent filling material, called gutta percha.

What are the advantages of root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment aims to eliminate current symptoms and prevent dental pain in the future. The procedure means we can save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed. Saving restorable teeth is very important because nothing can substitute your natural tooth.

We offer timely appointments and endeavour to give patients a treatment appointment within a week.

Why have I been referred to an Endodontist?

A stable foundation is essential to a long-lasting structure. In the same way your teeth need a stable root canal system for its foundations to healthy.

Root canals are incredibly complicated structures. Your dentist has referred you because your root canal treatment requires specialist attention. Minor problems can with the root canal system can often be treated by your general dentist. However, your dentist will need to refer you for more complicated problems.

An endodontist has had formal postgraduate training and gained extensive experience to be able to provide the very best care. They are recognised by the general dental council to be a specialist in the field of Endodontics.

At Brigstock Dental Practice and Oaktree Dental Practice, all endodontic treatment is carried out using a state-of the-art Zeiss microscope, which allows superior visualisation of the complex root canal anatomy. We have a dedicated room, fitted with the latest equipment which is used to deliver our endodontic care.

Why has your prevous root treatment failed?

Previously, our endodontic techniques, instruments and equipment were not as good as today. Recent advances have significantly improved our success rates.

Kreena uses the latest techniques to re-treat cases that have previously failed, with excellent success rates.

Is it painful?

The greatest care is taken to ensure root canal treatment is pain-free and comfortable. Kreena feels commited to making nervous patients feel at ease and relaxed throughout the procedure. It is not uncommon to have patients fall asleep!

It can be sore for a few days after root canal treatment and normal painkillers can help with any discomfort.

How long does the proceduce take?

The time taken for endodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case.

The treatment time is usually 1.5 - 2 hours. Occasionally, several appointments are required.

How successful is root canal treatment?

The success rates of endodontic treatment vary depending on the complexity of the case.

An endodontist often has success rates of over 90% for primary (first time) root canal treatments and over 80% for re-treatments.

What happens after my root canal treatment?

Your tooth will be restored with a filling after the root canal treatment.

A detailed letter will be sent to your dentist explaining the treatment and advising what further restorative work (such as a crown) is required. It is important you see your dentist in a timely manner to have this carried out.

Leaving an endodontically treated tooth without the recommended restoration can lead to tooth fracture and reduced survival.