Root Canal Treatments in Brighton

During the root canal treatment endodontic files are used to clean inside the root canal

What is a root canal treatment?

Root Canal Treatment (also known as endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through tooth decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases your tooth could darken in color which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

No. Usually a local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. However the treatment can be carried out under intravenous sedation if you are anxious about dental treatment.

What does it involve?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.

Root Canal Treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled

the completed root canal treatment, note the well condensed filled root canal chamber shown in white lines

What will my tooth look like after treatment?

In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern dentistry techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discoloration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.

What if it happens again?

Root Canal Treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated.

What if I don’t have the treatment?

The alternative is to have the tooth removed. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave the tooth in the mouth.

Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

Will the tooth be safe after treatment?

Yes. However, as a dead tooth is more brittle, it may be necessary to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

How much does root canal treatment cost ?

Root canal treatments will vary from one tooth to another. Some teeth have only one single root canal, however other teeth have multiple root canals. The root canal treatment will involve cleaning each root canal independently hence having a molar tooth root treated will involve more work and time than root treating an incisor tooth for example. Click here for price list

Root canal treatments at Brighton Implant Clinic

At the Brighton Implant Clinic we have all the equipment necessary for providing high quality and predictable root canal treatments. We use a combination of hand instruments and nickel titanium rotary files. We also use equipment by Sybron endo for determining the accurate length of each root canal. In addition to this digital radiography is used in every surgery. The final seal of each root canal is carried out by elements oburation units which provide an excellent three dimensional seal of the root canal.