Posts tagged “root canal treatment”

Patients from London Receive Treatment for Tooth Decay

March 29th, 2012

The dissolving of the outer layer of the teeth by the acids in the mouth is called tooth decay. Luckily there are multiple techniques available for patients from London that can be used to deal with this condition.

Fluoride

Fluoride is the best option when it comes to preventing and stopping tooth decay. Fluoride can be naturally found in food such as tea and fish. It can also be manufactured and good toothpastes contain synthetic fluoride. If the decay is caught in the initial stage then the dentist will apply some concentrated fluoride varnish or paste to the affected area, which will stop the decay from spreading. However, if the decay has worn out the enamel then the dentist will remove the decay and use a filling to restore the tooth and prevent further decay.

Fillings and crowns

Fillings and crowns are used when the decay becomes extensive. The filling will be used as a replacement for the lost enamel. Various types of fillings are used, such as amalgam, composite, and glass ionomer. Inlays and onlays are also used for filling.

In certain cases, part of the decayed tooth is drilled out and crowns will be placed on the remaining part of the tooth. Crowns can be made from gold, ceramic, glass and porcelain.

Root canal treatment

If the decay has reached the pulp of the teeth then the dentist will need to replace it with an artificial pulp, which will keep the tooth in place. This process is known as root canal treatment. Most people are scared of having root canal treatment, because in the past the process used to be painful. However, with the help of modern dental techniques it has become relatively painless to received root canal treatment.

When the decay is in the final stages and the tooth is severely affected, then the dentist will need to remove the tooth, to protect the remaining teeth from infection. Once the tooth is removed an empty space will be left between the teeth, which can negatively affect the functioning and shape of the remaining teeth. In order to avoid this, the dentist will place a bridge, denture or implant in the empty area.

Root canal treatment in the City of London

August 19th, 2011

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is spoken about quite often, but many people don’t fully understand what it means.

The root canal is the inner workings of a tooth and runs from the visible crown of the tooth to the roots underneath the gums. Because of the importance of the root canal, root canal treatment is obviously vital should infection occur.

What does the treatment involve?

The treatment itself can mean two different things, depending on the level of damage and the amount of bacterial infection the tooth has sustained. The treatment will involve the removal of the damaged and decayed pulp (the inner material within the root canal) and then it will be filled, before restoring what can be saved of the rest of the tooth.

Not all teeth have just one root canal, and larger teeth such as molars at the back of the mouth have multiple canals, whereas smaller teeth such as the front teeth have only one.

Does it hurt?

While the procedure involves delving into the middle of the tooth, the treatment is quite painless as the patient will be given local anaesthetic to numb the pain and it has often been commented that the only uncomfortable sensation is the feeling of the dental equipment in the mouth, a sensation that can be further reduced, if needs be, with nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’.

The need for root canal treatment can be caused by a number of reasons, the most common of which are tooth decay, bad dental hygiene and leaking fillings, or trauma damage such as you would receive from a fall.

Why is root canal treatment so important?

July 27th, 2011

There is no hiding from the fact that our teeth and gums are of great importance to our overall well-being. Not only do they assist us in impressing whatever dignitary we meet along the course of our busy lives but they also help us in breaking down food which we are consuming in even greater quantities. But, our teeth are prone to require some form of dental treatment at one point in our lives. This could be attributed to not following the recommended daily routine of cleaning our teeth on two occasions each day and also using floss. But no matter how many times we look after our gnashers, you might find that dental treatment is required. One type of treatment which some undergo during their lives is root canal treatment.

Simply put, root canal treatment happens when this part of your tooth is treated by a qualified dentist. When the soft tissue of the tooth, or pulp, is infected by a number of reasons such as the tooth undergoing physical trauma an abscess might then appear. After experiencing this possibly damaging event, it could result in the tooth needing dental attention as the abscess will only be permanently removed via this form of treatment.

During root canal treatment, the overall treatment time for it is two appointments. On your first visit, any infection is removed with the abscesses drained. The tooth is then smoothed so it can receive a permanent filling. In the meantime, the tooth receives a temporary filling which is replaced by the already mentioned filling on your second visit. It is on this second visit that any abscesses are checked for so that further problems can be identified sooner rather than later.

Root Canal done right at your London City dentist

April 25th, 2011

A root canal infection is not simply caused by decay and lack of adequate dental care as with many other dental related issues (although that is a common reason!); other reasons are in some cases actually old fillings. The old filling shrinks over a large period of time and the decay begins underneath the filling. Two other causes are when people grind teeth, creating fractures which lets bacteria into the nerves, and when physical trauma occurs such as banging your teeth and damaging the nerves of the tooth.

The treatment

The treatment is actually much simpler than a lot of people realise. It will usually take either one or two visits. The patient is firstly given anaesthetic before the tooth is drilled into in order to reach the nerves and blood vessels in the centre of the tooth. Any of these nerves and blood vessels that have been damaged by invading bacteria is then removed and the now empty root canal is cleaned, filled and sealed. The tooth in question reflects the number of visits that will be needed. Some teeth have multiple root canals and as such may take numerous visits. Most dentists will do root canal treatment, although having the treatment redone is more complex and as such you may be directed to an endodontist, a dentist who specialises in root canals.

Will there be any issues after the treatment?

The only side effect you may feel will be pain and discomfort after the anaesthetic wears off. In this case there is nothing wrong with simply using pain killers that can be bought over the counter. There is also a small chance that the tooth as operated on may have a slight change in colour. This is quite uncommon but, if it does happen, this usually means that extra treatment is needed.

It is rare for people to notice any lasting effects from the treatment, aside from the pain which is only short term. It is advisable to go to see the dentist that performed the operation around a year afterwards to check on the progress.

Root canal treatment from London City dentists the easy and effective way

February 23rd, 2011

Learn more about root canal treatment with the dentists of London City

The prospect of root canal treatment is hardly appealing, as anyone who has previously experienced with this will tell you. A procedure used to fix and save decaying or infected teeth, it involves the removal of the damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth. Once the pulp underneath the layers is exposed, there is a high chance of inflammation and possible necrosis (pulp death) – as well as severe damage or pain to the tooth.

Root canal treatment can require one or more appointments, and be carried out by a dental practitioner or endodontist (root canal specialist). Firstly a full oral examination (including radiographs) will be carried out and if necessary, the use of a local anaesthetic. A latex sheet is positioned around the tooth to ensure the area is kept dry and clean followed by an opening made at the top of the tooth. Next, the pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and the root canals are then cleaned and shaped in a way that will allow them to be securely sealed. Once the root canals are filled and sealed, the opening in the top of the tooth is filled with a temporary seal – then with future appointments, the progress of the root canal and filling can be monitored and adjusted should further treatment be needed.

Even though the pulp has been removed, your tooth will still be alive due to being nourished by its surrounding tissues. Once permanently restored, as long as proper oral care is maintained then the tooth has a high chance of keeping healthy. Your dentist will provide you with the appropriate aftercare following the operation, but you should also visit your dentist regularly to ensure longevity of your teeth and good oral hygiene.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

If you have any dental worries and want professional advice, drop in to your local London dentist today.

Root canal treatment provided by expert London City dentists

January 26th, 2011

London City dentists offer effective root canal treatment

Sometimes teeth become damaged internally and require a process called root canal treatment in order to restore their functionality and health.  Inside each of your teeth is a mass of important substances such as nerves, arteries, tissues and veins.  They are all housed inside what are known as pulp chambers and are best entered through the root canals.

Extreme tooth decay and one off accidents are the most common causes of internal dental damage which might need root canal treatment.  If the pulp tissue has become infected to the point where an abscess is forming then root canal treatment might be the only option.

If you have a tooth which is constantly aching, swelling gums or – common in the case of accidents affecting the mouth – a tooth which has turned noticeably darker in tine than the rest, you should inform your dentist immediately as root canal treatment might be needed.

Root canal treatment aims to remove the pulp from the afflicted chamber and disinfect it by drilling into the tooth.  X-rays play a vital part in this process so that your dentist can assess the precise location of any infection.   Then your tooth will be monitored while the entry point is sealed up with a temporary filling.  Satisfied that no infection has returned and that the canal and chamber remain free of debris, your dentist will place the permanent filling.

Looking for a London dentist? City of London dentists are here to help.

It is a complicated and invasive treatment which requires local anaesthetic but is necessary to stop any complications occurring.  Being sure to visit your dentist every six months will allow him or her to spot any early signs of conditions which need solving using root canal treatment.  Contact your London City dentist for more information about root canal treatment.

Liverpool Street London dentists offer effective root canal treatment

October 12th, 2010

Root canal treatment available from Liverpool Street London dentists

If your tooth has become damaged internally then you may need root canal treatment to restore its health and functionality.  Teeth are in fact hollow and inside they contain vital nerves, arteries, veins and tissues.  The hollows inside of teeth are called pulp chambers and, if there is a problem there, the best way to enter is through the root canals which carry the nerves into the tooth

The inside of your tooth can become damaged as a result of a severe accident to the mouth or because of extreme tooth decay.  Root canal treatment might be necessary if the pulp tissue has become infected and an abscess is forming.  Symptoms of this include aching in your teeth which won’t go away, tender or swelling gums or a tooth that has become noticeably darker than the rest.  If you experience any of these things you should report them to your Liverpool Street London dentist as you may have a problem with your pulp chamber and require root canal treatment.

The aim if root canal treatment is to drill into the tooth, remove the pulp from the chamber and then disinfect it.  This will require x-rays and local anaesthetic.  The tooth will be sealed up with a temporary filling and your dentist will monitor it to check that infection has not returned and the root canals remain free of debris.  A permanent filling be fitted once your dentist satisfied that the pulp chamber and root canals are healthy.

Looking for a cosmetic dentist? City of London dentists are here to help

Root canal treatment is complicated and invasive but entirely necessary to ensure the functionality of your teeth.  Problems with the pulp chamber can be very painful and it is best that you allow your Liverpool Street London dentist to examine your teeth regularly so that any issues requiring root canal treatment can be spotted early.

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