We offer Endodontic Referrals
in South Molton

What is Root Canal?

Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel, within the dentine is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. 

Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but as many as six or more root canals.

Why Endodontic Treatment?

The objective of root canal or endodontic treatment is to remove the necrotic tissue from the tooth, disinfect it and seal the root canals so that the tooth is preserved.

We are the first to acknowledge that root canal treatment has the reputation of being painful, but this reputation is not deserved. Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it. In fact, we regularly seek feedback from our patients who agree that our treatments aren’t high in pain.

What Happens at my First Consultation?

On your first consultation we will take a history of your problems, examine your mouth and in particular the tooth which is causing you symptoms. We will take digital x-rays of the tooth to aid diagnosis.

At this stage, we will fully explain the procedure, the prognosis, and inform you of alternative treatments. We will also inform you of the treatment that we recommend that your dentist should carry out after completion of the root canal treatment.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

• Your completed Medical History Form.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• Any other information you feel will help us to provide you with the best possible treatment.

What Endodontic Treatment will I Receive?

Root Canal treatment is a highly skilled and time-consuming procedure that may require two or more visits to your dentist.

When you attend for your treatment we will first administer a local anaesthetic so that you do not have any discomfort during the procedure. At this stage, we will place a rubber membrane on your tooth to isolate it from the rest of your mouth to prevent any bacteria from your saliva contaminating the area.

Since the root canals can be very small, possibly less than 0.5mm, we now use an operating microscope to locate and visualise the canals so that we can see them clearly to clean and shape them. We reach right to the end of the root with the use of nickel titanium instruments.

When we are satisfied that the root canal system of your tooth is as clean as possible, we seal it and rebuild the crown portion of the tooth. It is then ready for your dentist to construct a final restoration.