Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a procedure in which the diseased dental pulp is removed and the root canals enlarged before being disinfected and sealed.

The dental pulp is a tissue consisting of many vital cells, blood vessels and nerves. Every healthy tooth contains a dental pulp within it that extends into the roots through small canals known as ‘root canals’. The pulp nourishes the tooth from within and keeps it ‘alive’. The tooth is also nourished from the outside by the surrounding periodontal ligament and bone.

The dental pulp can become inflamed and infected if bacteria enters the pulp. This can be through decay, leaking old fillings or cracks which can occur as a result of fractures, wear or traumatic injuries.

Root canal treatment is usually performed under local anaesthetic.

The tooth is first isolated using a plastic sheet known as a rubber dam, which keeps the working environment clean and makes it easier to swallow, so treatment is a much more comfortable experience.

The infected dental pulp is removed and the canals prepared using small files before being disinfected. They are then sealed with a rubber-like material known as Gutta Percha and an  antibacterial sealing paste.

The treatment can usually be completed in one visit but more complex cases may require two or more appointments. There will be a small number of x-rays taken throughout the procedure to ensure adequate filling of the canals.

Dr Aram Navai’s Gentle-A™ protocol is his signature technique for putting patients at ease before and during treatment. Gentle-A™ combines elements of neuro-linguistic programming with distraction techniques and elements of hypnotherapy to help patients feel relaxed throughout.

No! Root canal treatment has earned a bad reputation over the years and there is a common misconception that the treatment is painful.

Dr Aram Navai is at the forefront of a more gentle approach to endodontic treatment. His patients are always pleasantly surprised and it’s not uncommon to fall asleep in the chair.

Root canal treatment is a complex procedure. If it’s performed without proper attention to detail, reinfection can quickly take hold.

However, when carried out using specialist techniques, equipment and materials, the results can last a lifetime.

In the case of posterior (back) teeth, it is essential that the treated tooth is restored with a laboratory-manufactured crown or onlay to ensure longevity.

If a root canal treatment fails and the tooth becomes re-infected, Aram can disinfect the canals again in a procedure known as root canal retreatment.

In cases with persisting diseases such as cysts, he can also carry out a minor procedure known as apical microsurgery or ‘surgical endodontics’ to remove the infection at its source. 

If the root of the tooth becomes cracked or if there is inadequate tooth structure remaining, endodontic treatment may not be possible. In this case, Aram may recommend extraction and replacement with an appropriate prosthesis such as a dental implant.

The alternative to root canal treatment is usually the extraction of the tooth and there are now plenty of options for lifelike, functional replacements.

You could opt for a removable denture or a bridge that’s bonded to the two adjacent teeth. Dental implants are generally considered to be the gold standard in replacements – however, it’s always better to save infected teeth with endodontic treatment where possible.

There has been significant media coverage on this topic recently. Unfortunately, much of it has no credible scientific basis. 

There is some evidence linking infected root canal treated teeth to medical conditions such as heart disease, but this is also true of gum disease and other inflammatory diseases in the body. 

There is no evidence that successfully treated healthy teeth with uninflamed surrounding tissues are linked to any medical health conditions. 

As a holistic practice, we ensure that root canal treatments are performed to the highest standards using the latest techniques and biomaterials to ensure that your tooth and surrounding tissues remain healthy. 

If you have any concerns regarding your root canal treated tooth we will be very happy to see you for a consultation to assess the tooth using advanced imaging techniques.