“Root canal treatment” is a phrase that may make even the bravest of patients less than enthusiastic about visiting the dentist. However, root canal treatment, or endodontics, is essential if your tooth becomes infected, and may prevent you from losing it.
If you find you need endodontic treatment, you will come under the care of our specialist endodontist, Dr Nectaria Polycarpou. As well as being a skilled practitioner with many years of experience and many happy patients, Nectaria has an empathic, caring nature, enabling her to manage even the most complex cases in a relaxed, comfortable environment. As with all of our dental team at Harley Street Dental Clinic, Nectaria is committed to pain-free dentistry.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp or nerve at the centre of your tooth becomes infected. This may be caused by untreated tooth decay or by an accident or injury that has damaged your tooth. Often, the first symptom is severe pain or a swelling known as a dental abscess.
If your dentist discovers you need root canal treatment, you will be referred to Nectaria. She will use a binocular microscope and special tools to remove the source and all traces of infection, to thoroughly clean and shape the space inside the root, and to fill it to prevent infection recurring.
Depending on your individual case, you may need one or two appointments to complete treatment. Endodontic treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthesia, although sedation can be arranged for nervous patients. Most patients report it feels no worse than having a filling.
Because root canal treatment is a skilled and delicate procedure, appointments usually take between one and two hours, depending on which tooth is affected. Back teeth usually have more roots and root canals than front teeth.
Endodontic treatment is nothing to be afraid of and should not cause any pain. We will also provide you with analgesia to take care of any post-treatment discomfort.