ROOT CANAL TREATMENT & ENDODONTIC TREATMENT
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT: WHAT IS IT?

Endodontic (root canal) therapy can save a tooth that has been harmed by fracture, infection, or decay. The goal is to heal the tooth and its surrounding tissues in order to treat the infection and dental pain.

The sole remaining option, in the absence of root canal therapy, is to have the affected tooth extracted and replaced with an implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable denture.

I Have Symptoms, What Should I Do?

A toothache or any of the aforementioned symptoms could indicate that you require root canal therapy. Please get in touch with us, and we’ll set up an appointment for you to see the dentist. To accurately analyze your health and give you a comprehensive variety of treatment options, we might need to take some x-rays. We will set up your appointments after we have talked about your circumstance and you have chosen the course of action that best suits your needs. In many cases, we will start your therapy the same day, especially if you came in agony.

What’s The Procedure?

The tooth’s interior is cleaned, then it is filled once the dead nerve has been removed. Contrary to popular misconceptions, a well done root canal is a painless surgery that guarantees the tooth is saved rather than extracted.

Depending on the complexity of the case or whether you are experiencing any symptoms, the root canal procedure is typically finished in one or two sessions. A crown is frequently placed over a rear tooth after root canal therapy to increase strength.

When a post is needed to restore the tooth or if the root needs to be retained to preserve the surrounding bone, root canal therapy may be performed electively.

Is There a Good Success Rate?

It is advised that a crown or onlay be applied to the tooth after root canal therapy in order to improve the success rate and durability of the procedure. Many teeth that have undergone root canal therapy last a lifetime following the procedure, demonstrating the high success rate of endodontic treatment. Only very rarely can root canal therapy fail to save a patient’s tooth, in which case the tooth may need to be extracted. However, there is still hope because you have the choice of implants or bridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the causes of bad breath?

Morning bad breath due to the mouth drying up overnight. Bacteria quickly break down the bits of food left in the mouth resulting in an unpleasant stale smell
Strongly flavoured food such as garlic, onions and spices. Strong smelling drinks such as alcohol and coffee can cause bad breath
Medicines such as nitrates, chemotherapy drugs and tranquilisers
Smoking
Medical conditions such as diabetes, sinusitis, bronchitis and gastritis

How do you diagnose bad breath?

The best way to find out if you have bad breath is to ask a close friend or family member for their honest opinion. Booking an appointment with Smile Hub in Sutton is advisable so that your dentist can confirm if you have bad breath and what is the likely reason for this.

If your bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene your dentist can advise you on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental examinations can help detect the early signs of tooth and gum disease which prevents bad breath developing. If your bad breath is food related you could keep a diary of the food you’re eating and any medications that you’re taking. In rare occasions following a visit to your dentist in Smile Hub you may be recommended to attend your GP to identify a medical cause of your bad breath. Please do not try to hide your bad breath before attending your dental check-up in Smile Hub as it may help your dentist to diagnose the problem.

How do I treat my bad breath?

Brush your teeth and gums regularly
Floss between your teeth
Keep your tongue clean

Keep your teeth and mouth healthy:

Choose a small-medium sized toothbrush with soft, multi-tufted synthetic bristles.
Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes each time.
Brush all areas of your teeth, and particularly where the teeth meet the gums.
Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a special single-tufted brush for specific problem areas of your mouth.
Use a separate toothbrush, or tongue scraper, to lightly brush your tongue (some toothbrushes have a ‘tongue cleaner’ on the reverse of the brush head).
Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and remove any trapped food that could cause tooth decay.
Your dentist may suggest daily rinsing with an anti-bacterial or anti-odour mouthwash (this should not replace brushing, but can be included in your daily routine).
Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after drinking an acidic drink, such as fruit juice, or eating acidic fruit, such as oranges, to help prevent tooth erosion.

How can my dentist help?

Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums and show you any areas you might be missing. Regular 6 monthly check-ups with your dentist will make sure any plaque is removed from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It will also ensure any signs of gum disease are treated early.