- ENDODONTICS -
Endodontics, more commonly know as root treatment is a procedure undertaken by a Dental professional. Below is all the information, costings & anything we feel you may need to know about this procedure. |
What is Root Canal Treatment? |
The root canal procedure usually consists of two separate appointments, the first one aiming to clean and flush out the infected root canals relieving any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. The second one usually a couple of weeks later to allow time for healing and to check that all infection has gone. At the second appointment we will fill the root canals and seal the area with either an interim filling or your chosen permanent restorative option. The procedure involves the dentist entering the canals of your teeth with small instruments and sterile milton solution. This is to remove bacteria's and dying or already dead tissue from within the canals. The canals are then flushed/cleaned out to remove this dead tissue and the canals are then filled. This is a procedure usually undertaken when a patient is complaining of pain/discomfort, prolonged sensitivity to hot/cold foods and drinks, tenderness or difficulty on chewing. |
First Appointment - Root Treatment Stage 1 - What To Expect? |
The dentist will first take an x-ray of the effected tooth, this is to determine if there is any infection and the shape of the root canals. The dentist will then ensure that the location is completely numb with local anesthetic, using a topical gel prior to administering the injection. We will then place a rubber dam around the tooth we are working on. The rubber dam consists of a rubber latex free sheet that sits over the tooth we are treating. This is to keep the area dry and free of saliva and usually causes no discomfort when worn by the patient. This will make communication difficult, but we ensure to talk through other methods of communication while the rubber dam is in place IE raising a hand in the air, or making a noise to alert the nurse/dentist that there is something not quite right. The dentist will ensure the tooth is clean, decay free and any old filling material is gone before begining the root treatment. The dentist will then use a drill to access the root canals. Once the canals have been accessed we will then use small instruments called files and flush the canals with a milton solution. This is to remove the bacteria, the pulp and any decayed nerve tissue within the tooth IE the things that may be causing the tooth discomfort. After the tooth has been cleaned and the dead tissue has been removed from inside the canals, the tooth is temporarily "dressed" and a temporary filling is applied to seal the area. We will then wait atleast two weeks, then review your symptoms. If the first stage of root treatment was successful and you are no longer experiencing pain or discomfort - the dentist will then proceed to the second stage of treatment. |
Second Appointment - Root Treatment Stage 2 - What To Expect? |
At the second appointment the dentist will prepare your tooth much like the first stage. The dentist will then ensure that the location is completely numb with local anesthetic, using a topical gel prior to administering the injection. We will then place a rubber dam around the tooth we are working on. The rubber dam consists of a rubber latex free sheet that sits over the tooth we are treating. This is to keep the area dry and free of saliva and usually causes no discomfort when worn by the patient. This will make communication difficult, but we ensure to talk through other methods of communication while the rubber dam is in place IE raising a hand in the air, or making a noise to alert the nurse/dentist. Once numb, the temporary "dressing" inside the tooth & temporary filling are removed. The disinfected & shaped canals are then filled with a biocompatible material (usually a rubber type compound called Gutta Percha), and the rest of the tooth repaired. |
Second Appointment - Final Filling - What To Expect? |
Although a temporary (or interim) filling is placed, included in the charge of your root treatment you will need a permanent restoration in place at the end of your treatment to ensure the tooth is durable. Depending on the specific case IE how much natural tooth is left to build it back up with filling material or if you require a crown. |
While the rubber dam is in place at the second appointment of the root treatment, we will complete the permanent filling at this appointment also. This is usually discussed with you prior to your appointment so we can decide on what material/methods would be best for you. We usually finish with a bonded white filling material. For back teeth this should be regarded as an interim measure, as the clinical and research evidence shows that root filled molar teeth are more likely to split. The best way of avoiding this is to use a lab made crown. I normally advise a short period of review to confirm the success of the root filling, but would recommend placement of a crown within 6 months of the root fillings completion. |
For more information & costings on the different restorations we provide, please visit the following page on our website: Restorations. |
What to expect after the root canal treatment is completed? |
We do expect there to be some discomfort after most root canal treatments, so I would suggest the use of a combination of paracetamol & ibuprofen as clinical research has shown this to be the most effective combination. We advise: 1g (2 x 500mg tablets) of paracetamol + 400mg (2 x 200mg tablets) of ibuprofen taken together every 8 hours. Decrease the dose to a single tablet of each as your discomfort reduces. However you may feel no discomfort at all, therefore you should refrain from taking any pain relief. If you have any concerns after having your root treatment you can contact the practice on 01229 772319. |
Costs of Root Canal Treatment:
Root Treatment on Incisors & Canines. |
Root Treatment on Premolars. |
Root Treatment on Molars. |
Re-Treatment Additional Costs: |
From £310.00 |
From £310.00 |
From £400.00. |
From +£100.00 |
Re-Treatment: We will add an addition £100.00 charge if you require re-treatment of a root filling. IE if there is still infection present or the tooth is still causing pain but you are determined to keep this tooth. Though we will try everything to complete the treatment, we may recommend referral to a specialist of dentist with advanced endodontic skills.
Investigating the Issue. |
X-Rays. |
Interim / Temporary Fillings. |
Included in Root Canal Treatment Charge. |
Included in Root Canal Treatment Charge. |
Included in Root Canal Treatment Charge. |