Root Canal Treatment - Winslow Dental

Why have root canal treatment?

Relieve pain. Completely remove the pain caused by an infected tooth or inflamed pulp with effective endodontic treatment.
Improve function. Once your tooth has been root-treated, you can chew and eat normally once more.
Prevent further infection. Root canal treatment stops the spread of infection to the other areas of your mouth, keeping you healthy.
Stop extraction. With successful endodontic treatment, we can save your natural tooth and prevent your other teeth from shifting.

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Our root canal results

Dr Ketan Karlekar has helped so many patients stop tooth pain in its tracks with effective root canal treatment in Buckinghamshire. He is highly experienced in preventive and restorative dentistry, and is dedicated to saving the need for extraction for every patient.

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Treatment steps to your pain-free smile

Consultation
Your root canal treatment begins with a detailed consultation. We will examine your infected tooth and take an x-ray to view the root canals and check that the infection hasn’t spread to other areas. We will also explain the treatment process and give you the chance to ask any questions.
Removal of infection
We will place a rubber sheet around your tooth to keep it dry during treatment. We will then carefully remove the infected pulp tissues inside your tooth, using local anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort.
Shaping the canals
We will thoroughly flush and clean the root canals before using small instruments to improve their shape. We will then fill the canals with a compound rubber material called gutta-percha.
Improved function
To finish, we will restore the full shape and function of your tooth by adding a permanent filling or fitting a dental crown on the top. This allows you to bite and chew without issue once more.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment eliminates infection from the pulp tissues inside your tooth, providing rapid pain relief and restoring your tooth to full function. It allows you to keep your natural tooth in place, keeping your smile better aligned and your facial shape supported.

Trauma, decay, excessive wear and gum disease can compromise the pulp within your teeth, leading to painful infection and inflammation. If you’re experiencing severe pain, sensitivity or gum swelling, prompt endodontic treatment is important, preventing further damage and preserving your smile.

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Why visit Winslow Dental Practice for endodontics?

Dr Ketan Karlekar has completed additional training in root canal treatments
Calm and relaxed practice environment to put you at ease
Cutting-edge techniques and equipment for the best results
We prioritise a preventive and personalised approach for all

Frequently asked questions

: Root canal treatment will not be as painful as you might think! We use local anaesthetic to make sure you remain comfortable during the procedure, and it is often painless due to this. Most patients find a modern root canal to be on par with a normal filling. After treatment, your tooth may be sensitive or tender for a few days, but this can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.
: In a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp within your tooth is removed and the canal is cleaned and shaped. It is then filled and sealed with a permanent filling or a dental crown. Root canal treatment usually takes at least a couple of appointments to complete.
: Many root-treated teeth last as long as your natural teeth with the proper care. In some cases, the treatment may need to be repeated, but this is rare.
: The risks of a root canal treatment are rare, but can include further infections, a weakened tooth or discolouration. We can strengthen your tooth with a crown to enable full function and appearance, and can repeat the treatment if the problem persists. Root canal treatment generally has high success rates and is a commonly-used and predictable treatment.
: For many people, the worst part of a root canal is the anticipation of pain and the time they will need to spend in the dental chair. At Winslow Dental, we take time to reassure you and help you feel calm and at ease before we begin. You will most likely find that root canal treatment is nowhere near as bad as you were expecting!
: Good oral hygiene, including twice-daily brushing and flossing, is essential for keeping your root-treated tooth problem-free. Although the tooth has no vital pulp tissues, the surrounding gum and supporting bone need to be looked after, so it is important to keep your mouth healthy. You should also visit your dentist for regular check ups.
: Before your tooth is permanently restored with a filling or crown, you should avoid chewing or biting on it, as this may crack or fracture it. Once your permanent restoration is in place, your tooth is returned to full function, so you can eat without any issue.
: The only alternative to endodontic treatment is to have the affected tooth removed, thus eliminating the pain and infection. We try to avoid this as much as possible, as it is much better for your oral health to keep your natural teeth in place. An extraction also incurs additional costs relating to filling the gap left in your smile. Occasionally, removing the tooth is inevitable, particularly for a wisdom tooth extraction, but we will talk to you about your options in full.