London dentist, Dentist in London,

Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

Root canal treatment, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth and then filling or sealing the root(s). Root canal treatment is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark area around the tip of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far.

Process

The first step of the procedure is to freeze the effected area. The next step is to open an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert rubber material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed to prevent re-penetation of bacteria into the roots. The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which may be a crown. This entire procedure is usually completed in one or two visits.

Why you may need root canal treatment

There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need root canal treatment. These include, but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth.

Signs/Symptoms

-Moderate to severe lingering pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.

-Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth

-Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth

-Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night

-A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood

-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another