ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (Endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply inside the tooth has become infected through decay, or injury.
The tooth becomes painful and tender due to a build up of bacteria and gases inside the tooth. In severe infections an abscess and swelling may develop and in some cases if not treated can become serious.
Sometimes a cyst can develop around the root of the tooth which can go unnoticed to the patient for many years because it is not painful. These teeth still need treated as the cysts can grow and cause problems later in life.

WHO WILL DO THE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT 
At bow house we have a dentist who is very experienced in this field of dentistry (endodontics) and has dedicated their study to this particular treatment. You can therefore be rest-assured that you will have the best suited professional to perform this treatment. We have a clinic which has the state of the art technology needed to make sure that you are looked after. We use scans and microscopes to enable us to diagnose and treat the teeth carefully before and during treatment.

Dr Marta Suarez

Dr Marta Suarez

LDS (Barcelona) MSc Endodontics (Barcelona) MIADR
GDC No. 141652

Marta obtained her Bachelor degree in dentistry from the international Univesity of Catalonia(Barcelona) in 2005. In 2007, she also completed an MSc in Endodontics after two years post-graduate study in Barcelona.

Marta`s treatment is purely limited to Endodontics (root canal treatment) and invests all her time and education in this area, regularly attending and speaking at national and international congresses.

Marta has been accepting referrals from other dentists for many years and is well known and respected in London and the surrounding area.

Married with two children, Marta enjoys family life and is an excellent cook.

WHY IS ROOT TREAMENT NEEDED?

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out. Root treatment is necessary to save the tooth.

WHY CAN`T IT JUST BE TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS?

Antibiotics are only given in severe cases to reduce the infection before a root treatment is carried out. Even if the pain and swelling goes down the cause of the infection is still there and the pain and swelling will return in time. The longer a tooth goes untreated the bigger the chance it will need to be removed.

DOES A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT HURT?

No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

WHAT DOES ROOT CANAL TREATMENT INVOLVE?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

WHAT WILL MY TOOTH LOOK LIKE AFTER TREATMENT?

In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.

Most root treated teeth will need to be protected with a crown. Crowns made using the latest materials will make the tooth look like a real natural tooth.

WHAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN?

Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE TREATMENT?

The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

WILL THE TOOTH BE SAFE AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

WHAT ABOUT AFTERCARE?

Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.