Endodontics (Root Canal Therapies)

Endodontics is more commonly known as root canal treatment. It is necessary when the pulp or nerve at the centre of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed, due to tooth decay or trauma.

The words "root canal treatment" may strike fear into the hearts of many patients, but it is necessary because without it you could lose your tooth. It's also nothing to be afraid of: our endodontic care is delivered by an experienced specialist team using modern techniques focused on patient comfort.

Root canal treatment involves clearing the infection from the tooth with special files, under a binocular microscope. The space inside the root is then cleaned and filled to prevent further infection. It is common to place a crown on top of the tooth at the end of the procedure, to provide extra strength. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so should be pain-free, and will require one or two visits to the practice.

Teeth at the front of the mouth commonly have one root with one root canal, while teeth at the back have a more complex system of two or more roots, each with one or two root canals. For that reason the length of the procedure will depend on which tooth is being treated and how complex its root canal system is, but on average treatment lasts one to two hours. If you need more than one appointment, you will be given a temporary filling to keep food particles and bacteria out of the root canal. The success rate for endodontic treatment is between 85 and 95%.

We use advanced materials and techniques, and all procedures are carried out in a comfortable, considerate environment using the latest advances in pain-free dentistry.