Root Canal Treatment

 

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Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp (nerve and blood vessel) of the tooth becomes infected due to tooth decay or injury. It is a highly skilled procedure in which the infected pulp (nerve & blood vessel) of the tooth is removed and the canal is filled with a permanent material in order to save the tooth.

Benefits of Treatment

Root canal treatment prevents the infection in the pulp from spreading beyond the root tip into the surrounding bone leading to an abscess and eventual tooth loss. The Root Canal Treatment usually requires 2 or more appointments. It is usually done under local anaesthesia.

  • Appointment 1: Your dentist will remove all the diseased tissue from within the tooth. The tooth (root canal) is cleansed and shaped so that an ideal root filling can be placed in the second appointment. If there is a lot of infection then your dentist may put a special antiseptic pack into the tooth, fill it temporarily and let the tooth settle for a few days before the root filling is completed.
  • Appointment 2: Your dentist will place a special root filling material into the root canals that have been cleansed and shaped in the previous appointment. The tooth structure lost due to decay or injury can be restored by means of a filling or a crown.

Facts

  • A root canal treated tooth is prone to fracture and it is often the case that your tooth will require extra protection. Hence a crown is recommended to improve the longevity of the tooth.
  • A Root canal treated tooth can often change colour slightly. In such cases a crown may be required.
  • Root canal treatment is usually very successful and can last many years. However in small percentages of cases, due to re-infection the treatment might have to be repeated.
  • Occasionally in single rooted teeth, following root canal treatment, if inflammation persists at the tip of the root, surgery can be carried out to remove the infection clean the area and place a filling at the root tip. This is known as an ‘apicectomy’.

After Care

After your treatment, it’s important that you take care of your repaired tooth as you would any other. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and visit your dentist regularly.

Payment Plan

You can use the payment plans we have to pay for most of your dental work.With Medenta’s 0% facility you pay the cost of your dental treatment – no more and no less. Our designated members of staff are able to agree the most suitable repayment period, go through the various terms with you and agree the most suitable repayment period.