Many people have heard of root canals, and unfortunately many people shudder when they do, as this exceedingly straightforward and tooth-saving dental treatment has an extremely bad name. Many people assume that once they have had a root canal performed, their teeth will turn black, or their teeth will become brittle. But it is well worth noting the truth behind the root canal procedure if it is suggested to you as a treatment.
At the Hilton Dental Clinic, our dentist West Bridgford has the expertise to make any root canal treatment that you need comfortable, short and long-lasting.
And with that in mind, here is our dentist West Bridgford guide to root canals.
Why would a root canal be needed?
Our dentist West Bridgford would likely need to perform a root canal if there is an infection underneath the tooth within the pulp. This can occur due to extensive decay or may be the result of your tooth being fractured or broken.
To assess your suitability for a root canal, we will need to take an X-ray of the area to see where any abscesses are located in the mouth.
The treatment
A root canal sounds scarier than it actually is, we promise! Our team will simply numb the site around the tooth and then begin gently drilling downwards to directly access the pulp.
Once the hole is drilled, we will then begin using specialised brushes to remove the infected debris from around the pulp. Once the tooth is completely clean, we rinse it with an antiseptic wash and then begin packing it with a rubber-based product. This will prevent bacteria from getting access in the future. The tooth is then topped with either a filling or a crown, and the treatment is complete!
Aftercare
After you have had your root canal performed, the area surrounding the tooth and directly underneath it may feel a bit sensitive. This is normal and should gradually fade in a few days. If you notice that the sensation around your tooth is getting worse or you feel there is another issue relating to the root canal, you need to contact our team as soon as possible so we can perform diagnostics and determine if there is an issue or not.
On a cosmetic note, if you want to have teeth whitening after having a root canal, it is advised that you wait for at least a month, as the area needs time to heal.
Longevity
As the root canal is underneath the tooth, there is very rarely an issue with longevity.
Provided that the tooth is maintained, a root canal should easily last for the rest of your life without reinfection occurring.
Potential issues
Provided that the tooth that the root canal is under is maintained with regular dental visits, it is just as possible to maintain a healthy tooth after having a root canal as with any dentition.
It is possible that during the X-ray phase before the root canal is performed, our team may discover that the root system underneath the tooth is exceedingly complicated, which can make the chances of a successful root canal less likely.
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I have just finished a 6 month treatment plan which included having 2 crowns and posts removed from my front, top teeth area, then waiting 3 months for this to fully heal, before having a single implant fitted. After another 3 months, waiting for the implant to fuse, I finally, had 2 new teeth attached. The staff at the Hilton Dental Practice were extremely helpful and understanding. I was nervous and worried about what was needed to fix my issue, but Kamal and his team were friendly, sympathetic and very patient throughout the procedures. I had a temporary bridge fitted during the process, so I was never without teeth, and the new teeth I had fitted were a perfect match to the rest if my teeth. Everything now looks perfect and I am very pleased with the results. I would highly recommend the Hilton Dental Practice, and if I need any other dental work in the future, this is the only place I would feel comfortable returning to. Thank you to all the staff.
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Everyone at Hilton dental practice is exceptional! The level of service is far superior to any dentist and now I would never go anywhere else! I have always dreaded going previously but the years I have been under the care of Kamal I no longer do! He is a fantastic dentist and a lovely person. The receptionists are very friendly and efficient, today I dealt with Carla who helped me get in the same day when I needed urgent assistance. Thank you to everyone you truly are a great team!
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My wife had a problem with her wisdom tooth, which caused a severe gum infection. Luckily, the clinic arranged a timely appointment to treat her right away. The clinic is very clean and tidy, the staff are friendly and professional, and the dentist is highly experienced. It was an excellent experience, and she recovered very quickly afterward. Highly recommended!
Pow Lawrence 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service. I was put totally at ease and although it was a private treatment the costs weren't extortionate. I have a quote for removal of my remaining teeth. It was explained clearly that I had little bone holding them in place and that lower dentures would place greater pressure on them. As I need treatment from rheumatology, which will prevent any dental treatment for a 6 month period the obvious decision is to have the last few teeth removed, rather than just the single one which is extremely loose. I was put under no pressure to make a decision and I can ring them to get a future appointment after I've seen my oncology consultant and had a week away. I have no worries about returning as the cleaning of my teeth was done and I didn't suffer as I gave done previously.
Shirley Cooke 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic treatment from extraction to implant to crowns, with scans and time allowed for things to settle down between each stage. I would definitely recommend Kamal Singh Missan and his practice if you need either an extraction or implant, my experience has been one of professionalism, skill and care.
Amir Aujla-Jones
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