Root Canal Treatment In New Malden, Kingston

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During the root canal assessment, your dentist at 121 Dental Practice in New Malden will usually take an x-ray of your tooth. This x-ray shows a clear view of the tooth's structure. It helps the dentist check how bad the infection is and how far it has spread. Your dentist will have a detailed talk with you. They will explain the problem and the root canal procedure. They will also discuss any possible complications. Additionally, alternative treatment options will be presented.

This clear communication makes sure you know the recommended treatment plan. This helps you make an informed choice about the root canal treatment. At 121 Dental Practice, we focus on helping patients understand their care. We want them to be involved in decisions for a comfortable and informed dental experience.

The duration of root canal treatment can vary, with some cases being completed in a single sitting. However, more commonly, it takes 2-3 visits to successfully complete the treatment. The number of visits depends on several factors. These include how complex the case is, how bad the infection is, and how well the tooth responds to treatment. At 121 Dental Practice in New Malden, our skilled dental team creates a treatment plan for each patient. This ensures that root canal therapy is thorough and effective. 

During your root canal treatment at 121 Dental Practice in New Malden, your dentist will give you a numbing shot. This shot will block pain in the area completely. Subsequently, a hole is made in the top of your tooth to gain access to the root canals. The dead or infected pulp tissue is removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleansed. Depending on the extent of the infection, a medicament may be applied. Typically, at the first visit, these steps are completed, and a temporary filling is placed to seal the tooth until the next visit.

On the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary filling. Then, they fill the root canals with gutta-percha, a putty-like material. The hole in the tooth is then filled with a permanent filling material. It's important to note that a root canal-treated tooth is more brittle than an untreated tooth. Therefore, your dentist will advise you on placing a cap or crown to protect the tooth from potential traumatic fractures. In some cases, a dentist may need to put a metal rod or screw into the root canal. This helps support the crown better.

If the tooth infection hasn't caused major problems, your dentist might finish the root canal in one visit. The treatment approach is tailored to each patient's specific needs for optimal results.

Root canal treatment involves an injection of local anesthesia, which may cause a slight amount of discomfort. However, once the anesthesia takes effect, the rest of the procedure is pain-free. After the treatment is done, you might feel some soreness. However, the sharp pain you had before will be gone.

Typically, over-the-counter painkillers are effective in reducing post-operative discomfort. This discomfort usually subsides rapidly within 24-48 hours. It's important to tell your dentist about any ongoing or severe pain. They can help evaluate and manage it properly. At 121 Dental Practice in New Malden, we focus on patient comfort during root canal treatment. Our team offers support and guidance for a smooth recovery.

With proper care, an endodontically treated tooth can last a lifetime, boasting a success rate of approximately 90%. In cases where healing does not happen as expected, more steps may be needed. This could include retreatment or a small surgery called apicectomy. Although rare, in some instances, tooth removal might be necessary. At 121 Dental Practice in New Malden, we prioritize comprehensive care to maximize the success and longevity of endodontic treatments, offering tailored solutions based on individual needs. Regular follow-ups and adherence to post-treatment guidelines contribute to sustained oral health. 

We recommend you to brush your teeth twice daily and make sure you visit your dentist regularly. The dentist will want to assess the root canal treated tooth after a year and then on a regular basis thereafter.

The alternative to endodontic treatment is tooth extraction. However, saving the tooth is highly recommended. Tooth removal creates a gap in the mouth, leading to functional and aesthetic issues that may require a replacement, such as a denture, bridge, or implant. Each of these substitutes comes with varying costs, making it essential to consider the long-term benefits of preserving the natural tooth through proper care and endodontic treatment. At 121 Dental Practice in New Malden, our focus is on providing personalized solutions to save teeth and mitigate the need for extensive replacements.