Root Canals

When the centre or the root canal of a tooth becomes infected, a dentist may need to perform root canal treatment.

Also known as endodontics, this procedure involves a dentist removing the infected dental pulp (the soft tissue in the centre of your tooth) and cleaning the inside of the tooth.

Every tooth has one root (and sometimes more than one) within which there is a root canal system. The canals contain veins and nerve endings. When a tooth becomes compromised by decay, a leaking filling or any other trauma, the canal system can become vulnerable to the bacteria that live in your mouth.

If bacteria reaches the dental pulp within your tooth it can spread through the root canal system. Quick diagnosis and treatment can save the tooth and prevent further deterioration.

Horton Dental Practice’s dental professionals have the necessary endodontic training and experience to perform root canal treatments with the delicacy and precision required.

The procedure

When you attend Horton Dental Practice for root canal treatment, we will take the following steps:

• Preparation: we will take x-rays of the affected tooth to see the extent of damage
• Anaesthesia: we recommend local anaesthesia for root canal treatment to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure
• Before treatment: we will place a rubber sheet – called a dam – around the affected tooth to keep it dry during treatment and to protect you from breathing in or swallowing any chemicals used
• To begin: the dentist will open the top of the tooth to access the pulp. Infected pulp will be carefully removed and the dentist will drain any abscesses that may have formed
• During treatment: once the infected pulp is removed, the dentist will gently enlarge the root canals using a series of small files. This stage of root canal treatment is the most time-consuming. If you have multiple infected root canal systems, we may need to schedule further appointments. The dentist will ensure that your tooth is protected and you are without pain until your next visit
• End of treatment: once the root canals have been enlarged, the canal and tooth will be filled and sealed to prevent reinfection

After root canal treatment

Depending on the severity of your case, your tooth might require a crown following root canal treatment. This will help protect and strengthen the affected tooth.

We will provide advice on how to care for your teeth following the procedure and will be happy to discuss any further issues you may have.

To schedule an appointment please contact Horton Dental Practice by calling 020 8391 9222 or click here to contact us.