Root canal treatment

Preserving natural teeth, where feasible and clinically appropriate, is an important part of our approach. We plan treatment using a clinical examination and suitable X-rays, while assessing whether the tooth can be restored to function afterwards.

The pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. It can become diseased or damaged as a result of deep decay, injury or other changes.

Pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort when biting and swelling are reasons to arrange an examination. However, a tooth may need root canal treatment even when there are no obvious symptoms.

We determine whether treatment is needed through examination and diagnostic assessment.

Treatment involves accessing, cleaning, shaping, disinfecting and filling the root canals. The aim is to remove diseased tissue and create conditions that support preservation of the tooth and healing of the surrounding tissues.

The course of treatment and number of appointments depend on the diagnosis, the anatomy of the canals and the clinical findings. We will explain the expected steps before treatment begins.

A tooth that has already had root canal treatment may sometimes need retreatment. We consider this when symptoms or examination findings suggest that the previous treatment has not achieved the expected outcome.

Before making a recommendation, we assess the existing root filling, the tooth and surrounding tissues, and whether the canals can be accessed and the tooth restored afterwards. We then discuss retreatment and any other suitable options.

Root canal retreatment — before treatment and immediately after completion.

We plan root canal treatment and the subsequent restoration together. After treatment, the tooth needs a restoration that provides an appropriate seal and restores its function.

The choice of a direct filling, partial-coverage restoration or crown depends on the amount and distribution of remaining tooth structure, the tooth’s position and the forces acting on it when you bite.

We monitor the outcome with clinical examinations and, where needed, follow-up X-rays. The absence of pain alone is not enough to assess the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled according to the findings and the progress of healing.