Root treatment:- Also known as endodontic treatment or root canal therapy.These terms describe a sub-speciality of dentistry the broad purpose of which is to treat the disease of the dental pulp and related structures.

Derived from thr Greek  "endo" inside and "donto" tooth, the process  of endodontics is often termed root canal therapy as it involves careful cleansing of the interior of the root canal system, germicidal treatment of these spaces, filling and sealing of the involved anatomy.

Why is a referral necessary:- Complex cases often involve the back teeth, teeth possessing curved canals making negotiation/treatment difficult, long canals and cases where the existing root filling has failed and requires replacement.

To enable visualisation of the fine anatomy Mr Charlesworth works with the benefit of an operating microscope.

Why it is important to save your tooth:- Once a tooth is lost the surrounding bone resorbes (shrinks).This process results in loss of support to the surrounding facial tissues. Consequently, further potential problems can arise from the adjacent teeth and teeth opposing the newly created space.

Why root treatment is needed:- Five main causes are responsible for the inside of a tooth becoming infected or diseased.

1. Decay.
2. A deep filling.
3. Gum disease (periodontal disease)
4. Severe blow to the tooth such as a fall or sporting injury, often resulting in crack formation.
5. Re-infection of a previous root treated tooth.

Any one or combination of these causes may result in swelling and pain, though occasionally a slow painless degeneration may occur.

Our aim is to preserve the tooth and surrounding bone avoiding the need for replacement teeth such as implants, dentures or bridges.

Success Rates:- Like many medical procedures our techniques and materials are constantly updated and improved. Excellent success rates are achieved, for example, over 90% for first time root treatments and over 80% for re-treat cases.

Operating Microscope:- Magnification of the minute working spaces is essential for success. Work is carried out with the aid of an operating microscope to achieve a thorough visualisation of the root canal system.

Your Visit:- This will be the same as a normal visit to your regular dentist, without the need for any special arrangements. As a matter of routine we will carry out a free consultation when we discuss your individual case, if necessary take a small X-Ray and finally give an opinion on the options available , with a guide to success rate.

This visit will allow you to decide whether you wish to proceed with your treatment.

Canal Preparation:- We use modern nickel titanium instruments, electronic apex location devices, warm vertical condensation compaction, your tooth is always isolated with rubber dam to ensure a safe and clean working isolation.

Number of Appointments:- Excluding your free consultation, most cases are completed after one or two appointments. Cases of an established infection/inflammation we clean the root system at your first visit , then apply an antibacterial agent to the walls of the canal to continue the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory action. We then leave your tooth sealed with a temporary filling for couple of weeks. At your next visit the canals are re-cleansed and finally sealed with an appropriate sealer and filling material.

The Final Restoration:- We always seal your root filling with a restorative material, this is often a tooth coloured filling. However, the majority of teeth that we treat have had extensive work/deep fillings in the past, scientific evidence indicates a cap/crown or onlay will help protect the underlying structures. This will be placed by your regular dentist, the cost of which is separate to your root filling.

Until you have visited your dentist it is wise to exercise care when biting on the treated tooth.