At Ten Dental, we understand that root canal treatment can be a source of anxiety for many patients. However, we want to assure you that it’s a common dental procedure aimed at saving your natural teeth and relieving pain.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire root canal procedure, from diagnosis to recovery, so you can approach it with confidence and clarity.
Diagnosis and consultation
The journey to a root canal often begins with a visit to our clinics in Balham or Clapham. If you’ve been experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling in your gums, it’s essential to seek professional dental care. Our experienced endodontist, Apostolos Bozis, is here to help.
During your initial consultation, Dr Bozis will examine your teeth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection or damage. If a root canal is deemed necessary, he will discuss the procedure with you, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.
Local anaesthesia
Once you’ve decided to proceed with the root canal treatment, our team will schedule your appointment. On the day of the procedure, the first step is to ensure your comfort throughout. Local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. You should not feel any pain during the procedure.
Isolation and sterilisation
To maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of infection, the tooth being treated is isolated using a rubber dam. This thin sheet of latex is placed around the tooth, creating a barrier that keeps it dry and free from contamination.
Accessing the pulp
Once the tooth is isolated, Dr. Bozis will create a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done using specialised instruments to ensure precision and minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tooth structure.
Cleaning and shaping
The infected or damaged pulp tissue inside the tooth’s root canals is carefully removed using delicate files. The canals are then cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining debris, bacteria, and infected tissue. This step is crucial for eliminating the source of infection and preventing its recurrence.
Filling the canals
With the root canals thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals, preventing any further infection from developing. The access opening is also sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Restoration
After the root canal procedure is completed, the tooth will be weaker than before. To ensure its long-term stability and function, a crown is often recommended. A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the treated tooth, providing strength and protection.
Dr Bozis will take impressions of your tooth to create a crown that matches your natural teeth in both appearance and function.
Recovery
Following the root canal treatment, you may experience some mild discomfort or soreness, which is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. It’s essential to follow any post-operative care instructions provided by our team to ensure a smooth recovery.
Follow-up and monitoring
At Ten Dental, we believe in comprehensive care. After your root canal procedure, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the tooth is healing as expected. Regular check-ups are vital to maintaining your oral health.
Referrals for root canal treatment
As a dentist, you’ll want to feel confident your patients are in the best hands. If you want to refer your patient for expert root canal treatment, Dr Bozis is happy to accept referrals for even the most complex of endodontic cases.
If you are a dentist seeking the expertise of an endodontist, feel free to contact us to discuss the referral process.
Book a root canal consultation
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our Endodontist, Dr Apostolos Bozis, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at our clinics in Balham or Clapham. Your oral health is our priority, and we look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and pain-free smile.