Other Dental Treatments

Other Dental Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (known as endodontics) is a routine dental procedure which is needed when the blood or nerve supply of a tooth (called the pulp) becomes infected due to tooth decay or injury.

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection could spread throughout the root system of the tooth and cause an abscess. This can be very painful and the tooth may need to be extracted. Root canal treatment can prevent the spread of infection and save the tooth.

Root canal treatment is usually very successful and no further treatment should be needed. However, if the infection does return an alternative treatment like dental implants should be considered.
The tooth should be safe after treatment but is prone to fracture. Hence most dentists will recommend that the tooth is crowned to give it extra support and strength.
You can have the affected tooth removed. Once the pulp is destroyed, it cannot heal, and an infected tooth should not be left in the mouth. Some people prefer to have an infected tooth extracted, but it is recommended that you keep as many natural teeth as possible.

The Treatment Plan

You will need to have at least two appointments if you have root canal treatment.

Appointment 1
Remove infection, clean and fill.

At the first visit, the dentist will remove any infected pulp and drain any abscesses. The root canal can then be cleaned and shaped ready for filling.
A temporary root filling is placed and the tooth is left for a short time to settle down before the next stage of the treatment.

Appointment 2
Examination and permanently filled.

The dentist will check that the pulp is clear from infection before the tooth is permanently filled
Alternatively, the tooth can be crowned. The dentist will advise you on the best option for you.

Alternative to Root Canal using a Tooth Implant

An implant may be used to replace almost any missing tooth, provided there is adequate bone at the site. If not, modern procedures can usually be performed to regenerate enough bone to safely place an implant.

The implant is placed in the bone below the gum tissue. A temporary abutment may be placed on the implant until the healing phase is complete. A cosmetic temporary crown can often be made to fill the missing space.

After healing, the abutment is attached to the implant. It will hold a custom-made crown that the dental laboratory will mold and match to your existing teeth.

In the final step, the custom crown is cemented onto the abutment. The tooth has been replaced without disturbing the healthy teeth next to it and bone loss has been eliminated.