As a dentist, you know the importance of preserving patients’ natural teeth whenever possible. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we’re keen to promote preventative dentistry, which should help to stop serious problems that cause the risk of tooth loss from arising. However, in some cases teeth can become damaged or infected, in which case we will do everything we can to save your tooth.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a term that can make even the bravest of patients feel somewhat nervous. However, it is nothing to be worried about – your dentist will prescribe this treatment when the pulp of your tooth has become infected, risking tooth loss.
At our Harley Street dental practice, all of our root canal treatment is carried out by specialist orthodontist Dr Nectaria Polycarpou, who is very experienced and highly skilled in treating even complex cases (including repeat treatment if root canal work with another dentist has failed). Her kind and compassionate nature helps even the most anxious patients to relax.
The pulp or nerve at the centre of the tooth can become infected through untreated tooth decay and also through trauma involving the teeth. Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist, coupled with a strong home-care routine, will help to prevent such infection from arising. However, if it does, Dr Polycarpou at our Harley Street clinic will be able to remove the infection and clean the root canal(s) to get you out of pain and preserve your tooth.
She uses the latest equipment – special files and a binocular microscope – to clear all infection from your tooth, before clearing and filling the root canal to stop further infection occurring. At our Harley Street clinic we carry out this treatment under local anaesthetic or sedation if necessary, so you will experience no discomfort.
This usually requires two appointments to ensure the infection is fully cleared. A crown may be placed on top of your tooth at the end of treatment for additional strength.