prevent infection
Root Canal Treatment
In Eastbourne
Love your teeth
Expert Care for Dental Health and Comfort
Root canal treatment (also called Endodontics) sounds terrible but really it isn’t – here at Fellows Dental Practice we will guide you through every stage and ensure your comfort and dental health are our top priority. Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp (nerve) inside your tooth becomes infected through tooth decay or damaged by an injury to your mouth. This infection may spread through the root canal system, which could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out.
Teeth that need root canal treatment are sometimes sensitive to hot and cold, can have tenderness around the overlying gum or there may be a swelling. However, it is also not unusual for teeth that require root canal treatment to present with no pain at all.
Protect your teeth
The Aim of Root Canal Treatment
Our dentists can perform root canal treatment to stop the infection from spreading and will preserve as much of your tooth as possible, cleaning and disinfecting the tooth and aim to return your tooth to normal function.
Eliminate Infection
Remove bacteria and infected tissue from inside the tooth
Relieve Pain
Alleviates the pain caused by inflammation or infection
Preserve The Tooth
Cleaning and sealing the tooth, the procedure helps save it
Prevent Future Issues
Sealing the tooth prevents further infection
step 1
First visit
Using specific techniques and advanced equipment, you will receive a local anaesthetic and the treatment overall should feel no different to having an ordinary filling placed.
The tooth is then isolated using rubber dam. This stops saliva entering into the tooth when we are working which would also then further contaminate the tooth and also improves patient comfort.
step 2
The procedure
A small opening is made in the biting surface of the tooth allowing access inside the tooth to identify the nerve channels. The channels are very gently widened and cleaned out using special instruments.
It is important to allow plenty of time for the cleaning process and medications that we use to work. The tooth is then dried and a medicated dressing placed in the tooth. A temporary filling is placed and the tooth is left to settle.
step 2
The procedure
A small opening is made in the biting surface of the tooth allowing access inside the tooth to identify the nerve channels. The channels are very gently widened and cleaned out using special instruments.
It is important to allow plenty of time for the cleaning process and medications that we use to work. The tooth is then dried and a medicated dressing placed in the tooth. A temporary filling is placed and the tooth is left to settle.
step 3
second visit
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled using a special rubber material inside the tooth roots which seals the root canal system and prevents reinfection. The access hole in the top of the tooth is then filled with a permanent filling material.
step 4
After treatment
After your root canal treatment has been completed, we will advise you the best course of action to help protect the tooth for the long term and prevent cracking of the tooth. This usually involves placing a crown but each case needs to be assessed on its own merits.
step 4
After Treatment
After your root canal treatment has been completed, we will advise you the best course of action to help protect the tooth for the long term and prevent cracking of the tooth. This usually involves placing a crown but each case needs to be assessed on its own merits.
Frequently asked Questions
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp. It involves removing the infected tissue from inside the tooth, disinfecting the root canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or damaged due to tooth decay, injury, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to pain, swelling, and potentially the loss of the tooth.
Symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal treatment include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness or swelling around the tooth, or darkening of the tooth. However, some teeth requiring root canal therapy may not exhibit any symptoms at all and can only be diagnosed through a dental examination and X-rays.
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not typically painful. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, the procedure is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. Additionally, root canal treatment is aimed at relieving pain caused by the infected tooth pulp.