Root canal is a medical procedure that is done to save an infected or damaged tooth, avoiding complete extraction. Previously painful and uncomfortable root canal procedure, that involves cleaning out the root canal of the tooth can be done completely pain-free now. That is possible due to all the technological advancements so far. In the worst case if the tooth cannot be saved, then an extraction is necessary. Ideally replacing it with an implant to prevent bone resorption.
Each tooth has a soft core called dental pulp inside. The pulp stretches from below the crown down to the root of the tooth that is lodged in the jaw.
The pulp contains many things such as connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. If a tooth has cavity, cracked or is injured in any other way it is possible for bacteria to get access inside the pulp and cause inflammation. To keep having healthy teeth it is pivotal to have good oral hygiene.
The inflamed root canal needs to be addressed immediately as the inflammation in the pulp can evolve into a severe infection or even abscess and gum disease. That will lead to death of the pulp, loss of the tooth and very possibly bone loss.
If you suspect to having an untreated root canal, look out for the signs such as:
Before starting your treatment it is important to consult with your dentist. After the consultation it is important to follow dentist's directions which usually tend to be:
Root canal is always done by an endodontist at Luwi Dental Clinic. Depending on the tooth complexity this treatment can take from one to two visits.
Like every other procedure, the process starts with taking the x-rays and examining the damage. And just like in many other procedures, a local anesthetic is used. The decayed area of the tooth is removed and a small aperture is created in the crown to gain access to the pulp chamber.
Specialized tools are used to remove the afflicted pulp. Afterwards the chambers and canals are cleaned, if necessary, the shape of the root canals is shaped for better filling. The medication is applied to the area after the canals are filled.
Afterwards a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. The patient should be careful not to bite or chew with the side where the treatment was done. And keep it at that until the tooth is completely treated and restored.
In some cases a metal post is used for additional support. But that is not the standard, and is usually discussed prior with the dentist.
On the secondary stage of the treatment the temporary filling is removed to gain access to the tooth's interior. The interior gets cleaned and dried in preparation to be filled with sealer paste and rubber compound.
That is done to protect the root canals from saliva. During this process anesthesia is unneeded.
Finally, after the tooth is successfully restored, it is protected with a crown. The crown is usually made out of porcelain in a shade of your natural tooth. But if you are feeling fancy you can also go for a gold crown as well!
It costs £90 per tooth for the root canal procedure at Luwi Dental Clinic.
The timeline for the dental implant process varies depending on individual cases. Typically, it can take several months from start to finish, including surgery, healing, and the placement of the final restoration.
The surgery itself is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative pain can be managed with prescribed medications.
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular check-ups with your dentist and good oral hygiene are essential for long-term success.
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and other factors. Your dentist can provide you with a detailed estimate.
After the initial healing period, you can eat normally. During recovery, you may need to follow a soft food diet for a few days or weeks.