At The Dental Practice Mariner Point, we are dedicated to providing high quality root canal treatments (endodontics).
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth, and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely. No-one wants to suffer with the pain of an infected tooth. We can eliminate pain and get you chewing and speaking normally again, all while saving your natural tooth from extraction.
Contact usWe use the most up to date techniques and equipment, including the surgical microscope, and adhere to the General Dental Council guidelines to ensure that the highest possible standard of endodontics (root canal treatment) is achieved.
The word ‘Endodontics’ comes from the Greek meaning ‘inside’ (endo) the ‘tooth’ (odons). Root canal treatment is required when the inside (pulp) of the tooth has been irreversibly damaged. This damage may occur for a variety of reasons, including dental caries (decay), trauma, or damage resulting from old fillings, crowns or other restorations. The alternative to root canal treatment is often extraction of the tooth.
If you require endodontic (root canal) treatment or advice, your dentist will make a referral. You may also contact us directly to arrange a consultation. Where clinically necessary, we are able to take a CBCT scan in-house to help with diagnosis and treatment planning.
Rest assured that you will remain registered with your own dentist. At The Dental Practice you will only receive advice and treatment relating to the root canal treatment for which you have been referred. We will send you and your dentist the details of any treatment you receive at our practice.
When visiting The Dental Practice, it is important that patients:
If you need root canal treatment, we begin by thoroughly examining your teeth, using digital x-rays to check if the infection has spread and how best to treat it. We create your treatment plan, including how many appointments you will need and expected costs.
We use a dental microscope to greatly enhance the accuracy of your treatment and deliver excellent results. It enables us to view your tooth in incredible detail. We use precise instruments to remove the infected pulp, making sure we minimise your discomfort with local anaesthetic.
We carefully clean the root canals of your tooth, flushing out any remaining bacteria and debris. They are then shaped and filled with a rubber material called gutta-percha, which seals the tooth and prevents any further bacteria from entering it. We rebuild your tooth shape, restoring the full function. In some cases, we may use a crown for the best results.
Contact usIf you would like to know more about the service, or have questions before or after your treatment, please call our friendly reception team on 01273 452947 and we will be happy to assist.
About your dentist - Annalize Van ZylSometimes endodontic treatment is completed in one appointment but usually two or three visits may be necessary.
With proper restoration and care it may last a lifetime. Proper dental care includes regular brushing and flossing, a good diet and periodic dental check-ups.
Root canal treatment is often given a negative reputation for being painful, but it is often nowhere near as bad as you are imagining. We use local anaesthetic to make the procedure relatively comfortable and often painless. Many patients compare it to having a standard filling, although it does take longer. The relief you feel from no longer being in pain due to an infected tooth will be well worth the treatment experience. After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues, but this can be managed with painkillers.
Cleaning the root canals may cause some slight tenderness but usually over-the-counter painkillers alleviate the discomfort. In the unlikely event that pain persists or if you experience severe pain, call your dentist or endodontist.
Once your tooth has undergone root canal treatment, it will function exactly like the rest of your teeth, and can be treated as such. Make sure you keep up with an excellent oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing twice a day, and visit your dentist for regular check up appointments.
Endodontic treatment can have a success rate of up to 90% in general, if carried out to a good standard, allowing the tooth to remain in function. Problems can occur if the tooth develops decay or the restoration of the tooth fails, or on occasions, despite good care, the tooth may not heal as expected. Further endodontic treatment or surgery may be carried out if appropriate. A tooth that develops a crack can also be a cause of failure and may result in loss of the tooth.
The main alternative to root canal treatment is to have your infected tooth extracted. We try to avoid this as much as possible, as it is much more beneficial for you to keep your natural tooth. An extraction does immediately remove your pain, but comes with other problems, including misaligned teeth and the cost of filling the gap left behind.
Occasionally a tooth cannot be saved. Endodontic treatment can be performed only if the root canals are accessible and can be adequately cleaned and sealed. The tooth must also have sufficient bone support. We only carry out treatment where we can give a good long-term outlook.
Teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as natural teeth. However, in some cases the treatment can fail or symptoms can persist. This may happen shortly after the treatment has been performed or even years following the treatment. In these cases, it may be possible to carry out the treatment again, a procedure called endodontic retreatment.
01273 452 947
info@shorehamdentist.co.uk
The Dental Practice
Mariner Point,
81 Brighton Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 6DG
Areas we serve: Shoreham, Worthing, Steyning and surrounding areas
We are wheelchair accessible and have car parking spaces on site.
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