If you need a root canal treatment in Whitstable, consult the endodontics team at Carbasse Implant & Dental Centre. Endodontics is the professional term for treating the inner tooth, and the procedure for this is known as a root canal treatment. At Carbasse Implant & Dental Centre, we have invested in a range of technologies and postgraduate education that allow us to carry out more complex endodontic procedures – including molar canals in older patients, root treatments under existing crowns, and re-treatments where a previous root canal has failed.
Rest assured that modern endodontics is a world away from the root canal of popular imagination – in fact, straightforward root canal cases are now considered as routine as having a filling, and the procedure certainly shouldn’t cause you any discomfort. Our endodontic dentists have undergone years of additional postgraduate training, acquiring skills from some of the UK’s most renowned teachers.
In addition, we’ve invested in technologies that reduce risk and improve accuracy, for root canal treatment in Whitstable that’s gentle and pain-free.
The Global dental operating microscope
This allows a better insight into the root canal system. The enhanced information this provides in turn helps us improve the predictability and outcome of your treatment.
Electronic torque-controlled drills
This is used to open up the tooth prior to a root canal treatment, these are extremely consistent and greatly reduce the risk of drill fracture.
Obtura gutta percha system
The Obtura unit’s ergonomic design allows for excellent control and enhanced accuracy when it comes to filling your root canal.
Endodontics FAQs
Why would I need a root canal treatment?
If disease or decay has penetrated deep inside your tooth, the inner tissue, called dental pulp, can become infected. The most common causes of pulp damage are severe tooth decay, or a fracture in the tooth that exposes the pulp to bacteria. Less common causes are damage through injury, or cracks caused by loose or deep fillings.
What does a root canal treatment involve?
Root canal is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you’ll be awake during the procedure and able to signal to the dentist if you feel any discomfort. The dentist will isolate your infected tooth with a rubber dam, which keeps it dry and protects your mouth from any chemicals. The dentist will then use a special drill to open up your tooth and access the infected pulp. Once this has been removed with suction, the canal is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, before being sealed with a filling material called gutta percha. Most patients will need to return to the dentist to have a restoration fitted, as the tooth is usually considerably weaker following a root canal treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Root canal symptoms often develop quite suddenly and usually include tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting, along with swelling, and sensitivity to hot and cold. Don’t put off seeing the dentist at this stage – sometimes symptoms subside as the dental pulp dies off, only to return more aggressively as the infection spreads under and around the tooth, often leading to a gum abscess.
What are the benefits of root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment can save your natural tooth and allow it to be restored to full function, thus avoiding the need for an extraction.
What are the alternatives?
If a tooth is severely decayed or damaged and its long-term outlook isn’t good, your dentist may suggest an extraction. This is usually a last resort, as tooth extraction has lots of implications for your jaw structure, bite and remaining teeth. Extraction also leaves you with fewer and more costly options for replacing your missing tooth.
Does root canal hurt?
No! The most pain you’ll experience is the toothache that drives you to get help from the dentist – and that is relieved instantly during your root canal treatment. The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic and involves little or no discomfort.
Can root canal treatment fail?
Failure is rare, and root canal generally has an extremely high success rate – up to 90% if carried out to a high standard. Problems can occur, however, if the tooth develops decay, if the restoration on top of the tooth fails or sometimes despite good endodontic treatment, the tooth may not heal as expected. In such cases further endodontic treatment or surgery may be carried out if appropriate.
How long will my tooth last after endodontic treatment?
With an appropriate restoration (usually a crown) placed on top of the tooth after your root canal treatment, the tooth may last a lifetime. This requires good oral and dental care, good oral hygiene and periodic dental check-ups.
