Endodontics. Root Canal Treatment

Saving your teeth and helping you smile again.

Endodontics, or root canal treatment, focuses on treating infected teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It involves removing infected pulp, the tissues, nerves and blood vessels within the innermost part of the tooth. The root canals are then cleaned, shaped and filled to return functionality to the tooth and restore your overall oral health.

At Oriel Villas Dental, we are proud to have a dentist with a special interest in Endodontics. Dr. Liliana Barros uses her expertise, experience and training to successfully treat even complex root canal cases and accepts referrals from other dental professionals.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities, repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discolouration of the tooth.

If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess, so it is important to get it seen to.

What treatment is available within Endodontics?

Root Canal Treatment

• The removal of infected pulp through an opening in the back of the affected tooth
• Local anaesthetic is used to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment
• Once the pulp has been removed, the roots are disinfected to remove all bacteria and the canals filled
• The tooth is sealed with dental cement and restored to its natural appearance

Secondary Root Canal Treatment

• Also known as retreatment
• During the procedure, all the existing contents inside the root canal system are removed and the root canals are disinfected and filled again
• Once retreatment is complete, we restore the tooth to fit in with your smile

Vital Pulp Therapy

• A potential alternative to root canal treatment
• It aims to preserve and maintain pulp tissue that has been compromised but without removing all healthy tissue
• It is particularly useful in young adult teeth

Microscope dentistry

At Oriel Villas Dental, we perform the entire root canal treatment under a Zeiss OPMI Pico dental microscope. Excellence in endodontic treatment requires a high level of precision and exquisite clinical skills. The use of the microscope greatly enhances the treatment, as we are able to clearly view the tiniest details in the tooth and treat all the parts of the root canal, even those invisible to the naked eye and magnifying glasses. The microscope gives high contrast, colour images, enabling us to provide the best examinations and treatments possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does root canal treatment hurt?

  Despite its reputation, root canal treatment typically involves little or no discomfort, especially with the use of modern techniques. Often, patients feel relief from the pain they have been suffering from before endodontic treatment.

• How much will treatment cost?

  Treatment costs vary depending on the type of tooth and how severe the problem is. Molars with two or three root canals are more difficult to treat and the fee will therefore be more. Endodontic treatment is usually more cost effective in the long term than alternative treatment, including replacing missing teeth.

• Will I feel pain following the procedure?

  You may experience some slight tenderness in the first few days following treatment, but this can be managed by over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol. If this persists, or you feel severe pain, call your dentist for advice.

• How many appointments are needed?

  Although sometimes completed in one visit, in most cases two appointments will be necessary for your root canal treatment. We will be able to advise how long we expect treatment to take at your initial consultation.

• How long can I expect my treated tooth to last?

  With proper restoration and care, your root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime. It is important to keep up with regular brushing and flossing, and attend your regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments so we can keep an eye on both your treated tooth and your overall oral health.

• What are the alternatives to endodontic treatment?

  The alternative involves taking out the infected tooth. This could in turn create a functional problem, such as causing difficulties when chewing, or an aesthetic problem, affecting the look and shape of the cheek and jaw area of your face. There could also be further costs involved with replacing the missing tooth with a denture, bridge or dental implant. Endodontic treatment saves your natural tooth and eliminates these further considerations.

• Is root canal treatment safe?

  Yes, research overwhelmingly proves that root canal treatment is safe, effective and eliminates pain. We want to do all we can to save natural teeth, and endodontic treatment is a much better route than tooth extraction, or a wait-and-see approach which could lead to more pain and inconvenience. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.