Root Canal treatment Bournemouth
Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside a tooth which carries the nerve and blood supply) is either irreversibly inflamed or dead. This can happen if the tooth suffers trauma, significant dental decay, or if the tooth has a large restoration.
The inflamed pulp can either be symptom-free or can cause toothache. Once the nerve has died, the space it inhabits in the tooth (the root canal) rapidly becomes infected with bacteria. This can lead to pain and swelling in the supporting tissues- a dental abscess.
What is root canal treatment?
The aim of root canal treatment is to remove the inflamed or dead pulp tissue within the tooth and to disinfect and shape the remaining space left behind.
This is most cases will allow the surrounding tissue to heal.
The alternative treatment for a dead or irreversibly inflamed pulp is extraction of the tooth.
After the root canal is cleaned and shaped, it is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed in place. This is carried out under local anaesthetic and should be no more uncomfortable than having a dental filling placed. It is however normal for patients to experience some soreness after treatment.
The success of treatment is dependent upon a number of factors including, the complexity of the root canal system in the tooth, how heavily filled the tooth is, and access to the tooth.
How long does the treatment take?
Depending upon the complexity of the tooth, root canal treatment can take between one and three visits. If the tooth is to be crowned after treatment, this will require additional appointments.
Will the treatment have to be repeated?
Whilst the great majority of teeth are successfully treated, occasionally pain persists or healing of the infected areas is not complete and further treatment may be considered.
Who will perform the treatment?
You can be referred to / can request treatment to be undertaken by our practice principal, Samir Jivraj. Samir holds a Masters degree in Endodontic Practice (root canals), which he obtained after completing 3 years of post-graduate study in endodontics, at the prestigious Royal London Hospital. Samir has a variety of endodontic equipment including a dental operating microscope that helps him to undertake root canal treatments to a high standard.