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Posts Tagged ‘Root canal treatment’

Getting to the Root of Infection with Endodontics

Friday, January 12th, 2018

We strive to ensure our patients have strong, healthy teeth. If you have a dental infection, it’s our mission to treat you and make you feel more comfortable as quickly as possible. When the infection has spread to the tooth pulp, there is often a chance to save the tooth by using a technique known as root canal treatment. The mere mention of root canal treatment can fill patients with dread, but this an incredibly important procedure, which can restore your smile without any pain. Contrary to popular belief, this procedure is nothing to be fearful of. Your tooth will be numbed and you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands with our experienced dental team.

About root canal treatment

If you have a tooth infection and bacteria have spread to the dental pulp, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. Dental pulp is the living tissue of the tooth and once it becomes damaged or decayed, there’s a high risk of the tooth dying. Root canal treatment can save the tooth, providing an alternative to extraction. The aim of the procedure is to remove the damaged or decayed pulp tissue and stop an infection from spreading further.

Before you have root canal treatment, your dentist will talk you through the process and numb your tooth using local anaesthetic. This will help to ensure that you don’t experience any pain. When the tooth is numb, your dentist will drill into it to access the root canals. They will then remove the decayed pulp tissue and fill the root canals with gutta percha, a material used to seal the channels and prevent bacteria from spreading. We often recommend crowning the tooth following root canal treatment to make it stronger and more resistant to damage.

If you have any questions about root canal treatment or you’re a nervous patient and you’d like to learn more about how we could help you, call us and book a consultation.

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A Step by Step Guide to Root Canal Treatment

Monday, December 19th, 2016

Root canal treatment is a commonly-performed procedure, which is often used as an alternative to extraction. You may be advised to have root canal treatment if you have an infected tooth or you have suffered an injury, which has damaged the pulp tissue.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure, which is most commonly used when the tooth is infected, and the pulp tissue is affected. The pulp contains the living material of the tooth, including the nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp is damaged or decayed, the tooth will start to die, as the blood supply will be reduced. To prevent losing the tooth, root canal therapy may be recommended.

The actual procedure is relatively straightforward. In many cases, people are very anxious about having this procedure because it tends to have a bad reputation. It’s made out to be an awful process, but actually, it’s a painless and highly effective way of saving a decayed tooth. We carry out root canal treatment under local anaesthetic, so you won’t actually feel any pain during the procedure. Most people leave us wondering why on earth they were so worried beforehand!

What actually happens when you have root canal treatment?

Before your dentist begins, they will explain exactly what is going to happen, and answer any questions. Your tooth will then be numbed using local anaesthetic. Your dentist will drill into the tooth once the effects of the anaesthetic have become apparent. The aim of treatment is to remove the decayed tissue from the root canals and then clean, fill and seal them. The process helps to reduce the risk of decay spreading.

After root canal treatment, we often place a new crown on the tooth. Crowns are restorations, which make the teeth stronger and more resilient.

If you have questions about root canal treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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Root Canal Treatment for Patients in Liverpool

Friday, March 18th, 2016

If tooth decay has become severe or there is gum disease present there is a risk that the root canal may become infected. This is the soft pulp section of the tooth where the nerve ending is found and unlike other dental infections it cannot be treated by antibiotics.

What is root canal treatment?

This treatment involves having the soft pulp at the centre of the tooth removed and filled. This treatment is usually used when tooth decay has penetrated the central structure of the tooth and the only way of saving the tooth is to clear out the decay and fill it.

What is involved in the treatment?

X-rays will be taken to assess the extent of the infection. In some cases your dental professional may suggest you wait a few weeks or months to see if with good oral hygiene the infection clears up. However, if it persists or gets worse the only option is root canal treatment. The tooth will be drilled into so that the dentist can remove the pulp. Once the canal is clear and washed out it will be filled. The tooth will be filled and in some cases a crown may be fitted to provide additional support and protection for the tooth.

Will the tooth look different after treatment?

Sometimes teeth that have had root canal treatment do appear darker than untreated teeth. If this is the case the tooth can be whitened to make it blend in with the surrounding healthy teeth.

What will happen if treatment is not completed?

In the long run the tooth will have to be removed. Once the infection becomes severe the pain associated with it will become unbearable. This is why root canal treatment is recommended in some cases as this will at least save the tooth and avoid the need of a dental implant or denture.

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Root Canal Treatment to Save Your Smile

Wednesday, October 28th, 2015

Even with the best oral hygiene in place tooth decay can still occur. If the decay begins deep within the tooth it can be hard to spot until it has progressed to the external tooth surface. This could mean that it has infected the internal structure of the tooth. When this occurs the only option is root canal treatment as antibiotics cannot treat infection that is inside the tooth.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is performed when the internal ‘living’ section of the tooth has become damaged, decayed or severely infected. The tooth will be drilled, as per a normal filling, but this will continue until the soft living pulp of the tooth is exposed. The pulp is then removed and the cavity washed out to ensure all traces of decay and infection are removed. It is then filled and sealed to prevent further infection. The tooth will then either have a standard filling to complete the treatment or a crown may be fitted.

How can this treatment save my smile?

If left untreated the end result will be that the decayed or infected tooth will have to be removed. In some cases the infection can spread to the neighbouring teeth, so it is never wise to leave a tooth untreated. By undergoing root canal treatment the dentist can save the natural tooth and with it your smile. It is common for teeth that have had this treatment to appear darker than the others. This can easily be countered by means of bleaching so that it blends in with the healthy teeth.

What happens if the infection returns?

This infection in the tooth should return the treatment can be repeated, however it is rarely needed as root canal treatment is highly successful.

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What is Root Canal Treatment and When is it Necessary?

Friday, July 10th, 2015

Normally, if you bring up root canal treatment in conversation, you’ll be greeted with anxious faces. But at Liverpool Dental Spa, we do our best to assure patients that root canal treatment is nothing to worry about and this effective procedure can actually make the difference between losing and saving a tooth.

What exactly is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a general dental procedure designed to remove decayed tissue and help prevent the spread of infection. It is called upon when a dental infection has reached the living tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp. Once the pulp becomes infected, blood supply to the tooth is reduced and this increases the risk of further infection and the development of painful abscesses. Root canal treatment helps to stem infection and create a stronger, healthier tooth.

The procedure has something of a bad reputation, but we can assure you that you will be absolutely fine. In fact, many of our patients leave the practice and wonder what all the fuss was about. Before you have treatment, your tooth will be numbed completely to minimise discomfort. Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will drill into the tooth and start clearing decayed tissue from the root canals. It’s important to clean the tooth thoroughly to get rid of any potentially harmful bacteria and debris. Once the root canals have been cleared, they are then filled with gutta percha (a type of dental material) and sealed. Sealing the root canals helps to prevent the spread of infection.

Usually, after root canal treatment, it is a good idea to place a new crown to reinforce the tooth and offer even greater protection.  we usually place a temporary crown following the procedure and then the permanent crown around two weeks later.

Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?

Usually, root canal treatment is only required when the tooth is already damaged or decayed extensively and the only other option is to extract it.

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The Truth About Root Canal Treatment

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

There is a widespread belief that root canal treatment is a painful, terrifying dental procedure and we’re here to set the record straight and tell you the truth about root canal therapy. The reality is that this procedure has an unjustified bad name. It can, in fact, be a saviour for painful, infected teeth and make the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. If you’ve been told that you need root canal treatment or you have dental pain and are putting off going to the dentist, we can assure you that you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a general dental procedure carried out to treat an infected tooth. This course of action is usually recommended once an infection has reached the living part of the tooth known as the pulp. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels and once it becomes infected, there is a high risk of further infection, abscesses and eventual loss of the tooth. In most cases, root canal treatment can make the difference between saving and extracting a tooth.

The actual procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. Once the tooth is completely numb, your dentist will drill into the tooth to reach the root canals. They will then remove any infected and decayed tissue and ensure that the root canals are clear. The root canals will be filled with gutta percha to seal them and prevent infection from spreading. After this, a new crown may be fitted to strengthen the tooth. After root canal treatment, you may experience very mild discomfort once the effects of the anaesthetic start to wear off, but this should only be temporary and you can use over the counter pain relief.

We understand that many dental patients feel nervous, especially when faced with a procedure such as root canal treatment, and we have a range of techniques and the latest technology on offer to help anxious patients to feel more relaxed and ensure that treatment is as painless and comfortable as possible. If you do suffer from dental phobia or anxiety, please do not hesitate to tell your dentist. They will go out of their way to reassure you and help you to feel calm and safe.

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What Happens During Root Canal Surgery In Liverpool?

Thursday, July 11th, 2013

Even the words ‘root canal treatment’ can conjure up horrible images and feelings of anxiety, but root canal treatment is nothing to be afraid if; it is a very common procedure, which is used to save a tooth that has been infected. You may be advised to have root canal treatment if an infection in your tooth has reached the pulp chamber; this is where the living tissue is found.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

You may be advised to have root canal treatment if your tooth is damaged or infected and harmful bacteria have reached the pulp chamber; the pulp chamber contains the nerves and blood vessels and once it is infected, the tooth starts to die. If the infection is allowed to spread, the bacteria can cause damage to the surrounding bone and gum tissue and there may be no choice but to extract the tooth. Root canal treatment helps to prevent the infection from spreading, allowing the tooth to be saved. Sometimes, the symptoms of infection are hard to detect and this is why regular dental check-ups are so important.

What does root canal treatment involve?

Root canal treatment involves two key parts; the first part involves drilling into the tooth and removing the decayed tissue from the root canals. The tooth is anaesthetised prior to the procedure to prevent any pain. Once the root canals have been cleaned thoroughly and the root canals are completely free from decayed tissue, they are then filled using dental material; this is done to prevent infection from spreading.

It is common to have a new crown fitted after root canal treatment; a crown is a type of restoration, which helps to strengthen the tooth. Porcelain crowns are very popular because they produce a very natural look; the crown will be custom-mad to fit the tooth perfectly.

Root canal treatment is usually done over the course of two or three sessions. Why not contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa in the heart of Liverpool for more information.

 

 

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What Happens During Root Canal Surgery For Patients In Liverpool?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

When a patient complains of tooth ache or arrives at our door with a badly damaged or infected tooth, the symptoms are assessed and diagnosis made according to the individual’s circumstances. The outcome from this will vary from case to case, but it may be that you require root canal treatment to treat the painful symptoms and prevent further dental problems. A root canal is performed when bacteria or plaque manages to reach the inner chamber of a tooth and infect the blood and nerve supply.

Root canal treatment process

While it is considered a surgical procedure root canal treatment can be carried out in one visit to your dentist. However, it is normally done over a series of visits. The process will typically include the following steps:

  1. First, x-rays are taken and assessed to determine if a root canal is required. This will be discussed with the patient.
  2. Both the patient and dentist will need to agree that a root canal is the right treatment pathway, after which the procedure can begin.
  3. A rubber dam will be placed around the tooth which is in need of treatment to protect it against saliva.
  4. The tooth and the areas around the tooth are numbed and treatment can then begin.
  5. Following anaesthetic administration, a small hole is made inside the tooth to access the inner chamber.
  6. This is when diseased pulp tissue is removed.
  7. The canals will be measured for the filling to be placed there.
  8. After each canal in the tooth has been measured they are cleaned and treated with antiseptic to prevent infection.
  9. Next, the teeth are filled and a temporary fitting is placed over the tooth before a permanent crown is fitted, often at a separate appointment.

Contact the team at Liverpool Dental Spa in the heart of Liverpool for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

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Root Canal Treatment For Patients In The City Of Liverpool

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Root canal treatment is used when there is a danger of infection developing in the root of the tooth. There may already be some infection in which it is vital for this to be treated otherwise it could cause major complications for the patient.

The need for root canal therapy occurs usually because of the development of infected abscesses below the line of the tooth. The tooth itself may have to be removed initially, but the abscess itself is the main problem.

Saving the Tooth

In order to save the tooth from infection the dentist will drill into the pulp chamber removing infected pulp along with the root nerve. An inert filling is then inserted into gap. This seals the canal opening preventing any bacteria from infecting the area.

The normal material used in the procedure is a latex product developed from the sap of the percha tree. It is generally known as gutta-percha. This rubber-like material is used because of its non-elastic properties, making it easy to use. It is injected into the root canal along with dental cement and sealant.

Is the procedure painful?

Unfortunately as with most dental treatments, root canal therapy can be painful. However the dentist will apply a local anaesthetic. That said if the abscess is swollen it can affect the anaesthetic. In this case the abscess will have to be drained before any local anaesthetic is applied. It is generally the pressure of the abscess in the first place that will have caused the pain.

If it is found necessary to drain the abscess then the dentist will probably prescribe an antibiotic prior to booking an appointment for root canal treatment. Further, the latter can be a difficult surgical procedure to carry out. This may mean several visits before it is completed. The dentist will in all probability prescribe pain relief as part of the after care.

Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy

Currently, the only real viable alternative to root canal treatment is to have the tooth extracted. However the tooth itself may be healthy so it is a drastic step to treat a problem caused by an abscess.

 

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Detecting and Treating Even the Smallest Instance of Tooth Decay for Patients in Liverpool

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Tooth decay is a silent problem, creeping up on the teeth gradually, never revealing itself until it has caused lasting damage and persistent pain.

However, at Liverpool Implant and Aesthetic Dental Spa we can spot and treat even the tiniest bit of decay during a routine check-up.

How we can spot and treat tooth decay

The early stages of tooth decay are usually unnoticeable and they cause no pain. However, we use magnification during our dental check-ups to pin-point evening the smallest instance of decay and fill it before it can spread and become a cavity.

We can also use dental x-rays to explore the inside of a tooth if we feel it may be infected.

How does tooth decay occur?

The start of decay may begin with a mild rise in the level of sugar you consume or a decline if the amount of time you spend on your dental hygiene, whatever the root cause tooth decay generally occurs for the same reason each time-dental bacteria creates plaque, which eats away first at the enamel, then the dentin before reaching the dental chamber inside the tooth and infecting the pulp and tissue inside.

Once this infection has entered the tooth the pain begins and sadly it may be too late to save the tooth. The dental pulp inside a tooth is what keeps it alive, so once this has become infected the tooth is technically dead. Treatments such as root canal therapy can be used to clean and sterilise the tooth, after which a crown will be placed over the damaged tooth to restore its strength, but it will never match the strength of a natural tooth.

During our dental check-ups we locate the very early signs of decay to stop this from happening and prevent you from loosing your teeth, for beautiful and healthy smiles.

 

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