Root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) is needed when the blood and nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. A root canal treatment is therefore the process of removing this infected pulp tissue in order to fill and seal the root canal system.
The aim is to ensure that you keep your tooth. Left untreated, the tooth will have to be extracted. Even though you may not have any symptoms at the time, failure to remove the infection may lead to a sudden formation of a painful abscess and/or spread of the infection which may be more difficult to treat and take longer to heal. Vishal Kumar has a special interest in root canal treatments, and carries this out using a dental microscope. Heathwood Dental is the only practice in Crowthorne with this equipment, which helps make these procedures more successful.
This will vary according to the complexity of the root canals, the presence of infection or if re-treatment is being carried out. Your first treatment visit is likely to be approximately 90 minutes to 120 minutes long. To achieve success it is important that the procedure is not rushed. Often it is possible to complete treatment in one visit; however it may be necessary to place an antibacterial dressing in the tooth and make a further appointment to complete the treatment.
An x-ray of the tooth is taken to check the shape of the root canals and identify the infection around the root. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and a rubber sheet (known as rubber dam) is placed around the tooth to keep it isolated.
A small hole is made through the tooth into the pulp chamber, the canals are located and measured accurately. A precise procedure then begins of cleaning the canals using very fine instruments. Only when the canals are cleaned and disinfected are they sealed with a rubber based material. This is then normally further sealed with a filling.
Local anaesthetic is used at every stage of the procedure to ensure your comfort. Also, to help ensure the highest levels of safety and success, an isolation technique called ‘Rubber Dam’ will be used. Following treatment, the tooth may feel a little tender for a few days, but this can be normally controlled with the same medication that you might use for a headache. You will be advised of any need for medication at the end of the appointment.
Using a high-powered operating microscope and modern techniques, root canal treatment does have a high success rate.
It should however be remembered that it is impossible to guarantee the success of any medical procedure. Even with the best treatment, healing may not occur due to circumstances beyond the control of the dentist. Should this occur, further steps may be required to eradicate the infection.
Following root canal treatment it is essential that you return to your dentist so that the tooth can be properly restored. Crowns or onlays are often placed on teeth after they have undergone successful root canal treatment. Since the nerve and blood vessels have been removed from the tooth during the process, vital feedback about the force with which you are biting is lost. The tooth structure is also more brittle. This often leads to excessive loads on the tooth, and therefore a greater risk of fracture. Critically, it also reinforces the all important seal around the tooth to prevent further bacterial invasion.
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth’s root to save the tooth from extraction. At Heathwood Dental Practice, we carefully clean, disinfect, and seal the area to prevent further infection and restore the tooth’s function.
Thanks to modern techniques and anaesthesia, root canals performed at Heathwood Dental Practice are generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients report relief from pain afterwards, as the procedure removes the infection causing discomfort.
The treatment takes 90-120 minutes depending on the complexity of your tooth. In some cases, you may need a second visit to ensure complete infection removal.
Signs you might need a root canal include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a discoloured tooth. If you experience these symptoms, visit Heathwood Dental Practice for an examination and X-rays to determine whether a root canal is necessary.
Alternatives include tooth extraction or monitoring the tooth, but once an infection has flared once, it will generally cause recurring pain until the tooth is treated or removed. Should you prefer to extract the tooth we can also advise on your options around the missing tooth space if required. At Heathwood Dental Practice, we evaluate each case carefully to recommend the most suitable option to maintain oral health.
Yes, a root canal can save a tooth that is damaged or infected by removing the affected nerve and pulp inside. This procedure helps eliminate the infection inside the tooth. At Heathwood Dental Practice, our skilled team ensures root canal treatment helps retain your natural tooth, avoiding extraction whenever possible.
Yes, after root canal treatment, we often recommend a crown or onlay to strengthen the tooth and protect it from fractures. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
At Heathwood Dental Practice, we are dedicated to gentle, effective, and expert root canal care. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to have a root canal, book a consultation today—we’re here to help!
Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur after a root canal, but it usually eases within a few days. At Heathwood Dental Practice in Crowthorne, we offer thorough aftercare and advice to help manage any post-treatment discomfort and support your healing.
We use a blend of the most effective local anaesthetics to ensure full anaesthesia for the full duration of the appointment. In addition, we monitor your comfort level throughout the process to ensure an overall positive and successful experience.
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I transferred to the Kings Road site when Vishal took over Heathwood Dental Practice from Dr Smith in 2005, it formerly being located in Ellis Road. Moving from a known dentist to someone new has alwa… Read More
Absolutely first rate service. Incredible expertise and use the latest techniques and materials. I travel nearly an hour to go here as it’s by far, the best practise I have ever been to by a considera… Read More
I cannot praise Heathwood Dental practice enough. All staff are extremely easy to deal with and pleasant. I have been treated for many years by Dr. Vishal Kumar and would recommend him to anyone. He i… Read More
We have been patients at Heathwood Dental Practice for almost 20 years, and I highly recommend Vishal and his team. The care and advice are outstanding.Very important for us was for our son to grow up… Read More
Would highly recommend Heathwood Dental Practice. I moved here after a bad expereince at another Crowthorne dentist and have been very impressed. I used to hate going to the denstist and was extremely… Read More
