What is Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment?
Endodontic treatment or root canal therapy is undertaken to preserve a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. You may have been advised by your dentist that you require a root filling or re-treatment. Usually you will have been referred by your general dentist, although some patients do seek advice of their own accord.
BPI Dental offers a friendly, sympathetic environment so that you will feel confident and relaxed when you attend for treatment. Our professional and welcoming staff are always available to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Quality of care is paramount and we maintain the highest standards to offer the most appropriate level of dental care.
What Happens During The Root Canal Treatment Consultation?
The initial consultation begins with a clinical assessment, including any appropriate digital x-rays, a diagnosis and costs involved. The clinician will then give you your treatment options and possible outcomes. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and help you decide how you wish to proceed.
Usually this is followed by another visit to complete the endodontic treatment. Occasionally extra visits may be required for more complex or demanding cases. Once the treatment is completed we will return you to your own dentist for continuing dental care with a report of the treatment we have undertaken.
Signs of Requiring Endodontic Treatment
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
The Stages of Endodontic Treatment
Dental decay caused by bacteria has created a hole a tooth. This hole has reached the pulp and caused an infection leading to pain and abcess formation. The options here are endodontic/root canal treatment or an extraction.
After removal of the decay in the tooth , the necrotic/dead pulp is removed and the root canals are thoroughly cleansed with single use files/instruments. The pain will subside and abscess will now go.
The cleansed pulp and root canals are now filled with substitute rubber material called gutta percha.
For a good long term result, in some cases there is need for a full crown to protect the tooth.
Speak to our team today
Our team are friendly, compassionate and will answer any questions you have.
Root Canal Treatment FAQ
Endodontics or root canal treatment deals with diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting structures. Endodontic treatment is a cost–effective way to preserve a tooth in function since the only alternative to endodontics is extraction. Replacement of an extracted tooth is costly both in terms of time and finances. Although general dentists can perform endodontic treatment, patients are often referred to an endodontist when the case is complicated or more difficult than usual.
The endodontist is a dentist who has undergone extra postgraduate training in root canal procedures. Endodontists treat teeth with diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures. Your general dentist may refer complex cases or those requiring specialised equipment for consultation.
A consultation will allow the patient to identify the reason for endodontic treatment, the procedure involved and what is required to assure the most optimal outcome. The patient can also clarify any questions related to the procedure.
Endodontic treatment or root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Following consultation the treatment is now performed in a single visit ranging from 1-2 hours (depending on the number of canals). Occasionally more visits may be required for more complicated cases.
See below for our full fee list and price guide.
You will have a number of check ups after the procedure but it ultimately comes down to you. Maintaining good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing your teeth regularly is essential to making sure that you do not pick up gum disease again. The consequences can be bad if you leave it untreated for too long.
Modern anaesthetic techniques allow us to deliver painless treatment .We will numb the part of the mouth which is being treated. The feeling of numbness usually subsides a few hours after the end of your treatment.
Emergency Cases
In need of an emergency procedure? Give us a call and one of our team will be there to help you.
What our patients say?
Opening Hours
Mon – Wed8.00 – 18.00
Thu – Fri9.00 – 17.00
Sat – SunCLOSED