Our dentist in Orpington, at Cray Dental, offers a range of treatments to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. One such treatment is root canal therapy, which can save a tooth that is badly damaged or infected.
How does it work?
A root canal is a dental procedure that is often performed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The soft centre of the tooth, which is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, helps the tooth grow. When it becomes infected or inflamed, it can be very uncomfortable. In most cases, a general dental team or endodontist will perform a root canal while you are under local anaesthesia.
Are there risks?
There are a few potential risks involved with having a root canal, but they are generally rare. These include infection, damage to the surrounding teeth, and problems with anaesthesia. Overall, root canals are a very common and safe procedure at our dentist in Orpington.
Treatment steps
When performing a root canal our team accesses the tooth by drilling a small hole through the top of it. We then clean out the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of the tooth.
After the pulp is fully removed, we need to widen the canal. This is done by gently filing away some of the bone and tooth material around the canal and once the affected tooth is cleaned out we widen the canal and fill it with a special type of material known as gutta-percha. This filling helps to prevent infection and keeps the tooth strong. In some cases, a crown may also be placed on top of the tooth to help protect it from further damage.
A root canal may seem like a daunting procedure. However, with modern technology and sedation options, the treatment can be quite comfortable. Root canal therapy is often the best option to save an infected or damaged tooth.
NHS vs private care
The cost of having a root canal can vary depending on whether you have private or NHS dental care. In most cases, the procedure will be covered by your NHS dental plan. However, there may be a charge for the anaesthesia and any X-rays that are taken. If you have private dental insurance, then you should check to see if the procedure is covered.
What to expect after treatment?
After having a root canal, it is important to take care of your teeth and gums. This means brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. You should also see our team for regular check-ups or if there is any discomfort. In most cases, a root canal is a successful procedure and your tooth should last for many years to come.
Common complications from a root canal are an infection in the tooth, discomfort, and swelling.
If you have any questions about root canal therapy or would like to book an appointment, please contact our dentist in Orpington today. We would be happy to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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