A root canal, is a highly effective dental procedure designed to eliminate infection from the inside of a tooth and preserve its structure. At Zental, we specialise in gentle, pain-free root canal treatment using advanced technology and a holistic approach to care. A root canal is often required when a deep cavity or diseased tooth threatens the health of your natural tooth. Our expert team are here to help you restore comfort and confidence.
What Is Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The dental pulp is located in the pulp chamber inside of the tooth, and the pulp extends from the crown down to the tip of the root. When this pulp becomes infected due to decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, or suffers pulp damage from a deep cavity or injury, it can cause severe pain and lead to infections that may result in the formation of an abscess, a collection of pus at the root tip, or tooth loss. Untreated infections and pulp damage can also lead to bone loss, which may ultimately result in tooth loss. Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used in endodontics, the dental specialty focused on treating the root canal system, to treat a diseased tooth and save it from extraction. The procedure removes the infected dental pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canal system to eliminate bacteria, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection. Root canal procedures involve thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, including the pulp chamber and root canals, to eliminate bacteria and prevent further complications.
Root canal therapy is often the last resort to save a tooth before extraction becomes necessary. Removing a tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, affecting bite alignment. At Zental, our success rate is very high, thanks to our precision diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques. Whenever possible, preserving natural teeth is important for maintaining oral health.
Root Canal Treatment Benefits
Choosing a root canal offers several key advantages:
Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Avoids the need for extraction and maintains your bite alignment.
Relieves Pain: Eliminates infection and inflammation, providing lasting relief.
Prevents Spread of Infection: Stops bacteria from affecting surrounding teeth and bone.
Restores Functionality: Enables normal chewing and speaking. After root canal treatment, crowns are often used to protect and strengthen the tooth, especially when significant decay or damage is present. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain fused to metal, which can be tinted to match other teeth for a natural appearance. The restored tooth is designed to blend seamlessly with your other teeth, both in function and aesthetics.
Supports Long-Term Oral Health: A treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure the health of treated teeth.
A root canal is necessary when a normal filling is not sufficient due to extensive decay or damage to the tooth structure. Most root canals are highly successful and provide long-lasting results.
Root Canal Process
Your root canal treatment journey is designed to be calm, efficient, and tailored to your needs. Root canal treatments are a common dental procedure performed by both general dentists and endodontists. Endodontists are GDC registered specialists with advanced training in performing root canal treatments, ensuring safety, precision, and effectiveness. The procedure can be a time-consuming procedure due to the multiple steps involved and may require one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the case. Modern techniques, such as rotary instruments and lasers, are used to improve outcomes and reduce discomfort. The Root canal process is as follows:
Consultation & Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough examination using cutting edge technology to assess the extent of infection and determine the best course of action. During your first appointment, the dentist or endodontist will evaluate the tooth and plan the endodontic treatment.
Local Anaesthetic
A local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area, ensuring a completely pain-free experience throughout the procedure.
Access & Cleaning
A dental dam is placed in the mouth to isolate the tooth and maintain a sterile environment. A small opening is made in the tooth to access the pulp. The dentist or endodontist removes the infected tissue from the infected pulp, and the canals are cleaned using advanced rotary instruments and laser technology. Small files are used to clean, shape, and decontaminate the root canals, helping to eliminate any root canal infection and prepare the tooth for filling. The goal is to remove any root canal infection and prevent it from returning.
Disinfection & Sealing
After cleaning, the canals are disinfected to ensure all bacteria are eliminated. The dentist will fill the canals with gutta percha, an inert material, and a sealer to fill and seal the cleaned canals, preventing reinfection and ensuring the longevity of the treated tooth.
A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration can be completed. A later visit may be scheduled to assess healing and complete the permanent restoration.
Final Restoration
In most cases, a dental crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore its strength and appearance. Modern techniques help maintain the natural appearance of a root filled tooth, minimising discoloration and ensuring a pleasing aesthetic result.
Don’t let tooth pain disrupt your life. At Zental, we make root canal treatment calm, comfortable, and highly effective. Join thousands of patients who trust in our expertise and gentle approach.
See our comprehensive list of treatments and learn more about how Zental can help you achieve a healthier, happier and longer life!
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