Root Canal

Root Canal Information.

  • In a healthy tooth, the pulp contains living nerve fibres and a blood supply through the tooth.
  • Decay or injury to a tooth can destroy the living pulp.
  • Without a blood supply the inside of the tooth becomes a reservoir for bacteria and infection.

Root canal treatment (also known as endodontics or root filling) means removing damaged or dead pulp and filling the space left.The remaining part of the tooth can then be restored.

Root Canal (endodontic) treatment is usually carried out at our practice by Dr Atrina Ghezel  who attained a Masters (MSc) in endodontics from the prestigious Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL) where she is a speciality doctor teaching endodontics to masters students.  Dr Ghezel continues in her study working towards specialisation in the field to become a registered specialist.

Treatments are performed to the highest standards using the latest techniques and materials. Specialist equipment includes a Zeiss operating microscope for access and vision, Wave One canal preparation and 3-D filling of the root canals using System-B and Obtura systems.

Dr Ghezel accepts outside referrals for root canal treatment.

An X-ray will show the number and shape of the root canals and also signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Teeth can have a number of roots and some roots are easier to fill than others because of their shape.  Sometimes a 3D radiographic scan may be required and at Bridge Dental we have a 3D CT scanner to help in diagnosis when required.

To keep the root canals dry during treatment the dentist will stretch a sheet of thin rubber over the tooth. Having this ‘rubber dam' fitted makes the treatment more comfortable.

Under local anesthetic an opening is made into the top of the tooth or crown. The dentist then uses files to remove the dead pulp from the root canals.

Treatment is normally carried out in two visits, the canals being filled on the second appointment. It is usually recommended that a crown is placed over a root filled tooth to protect it as they are more prone to fracture.

Root fillings that are performed well are usually successful and can last many years but re-treatment is also sometimes possible if infection recurs.Occasionally, if inflammation persists at the tip of the root, surgery can be carried out to remove the root tip, clean the area and put in a filling. this is known as an apicectomy.

Contact us to learn more about root canal procedures.

Please call us on 01628 474044 or email us at bridgedsurgeries@aol.com.