Root Canal Treatments in Preston - Lancashire
Teeth can become infected for various reasons. When bacteria enter the tooth, they attack the sensitive soft tissues inside. Through root canal treatment (endodontics), we remove the infected tissue, helping to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
Doing everything possible to preserve teeth with root canal therapy.
Treatments by Dr Shalini Kanagasingam- Specialist Orthodontist
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Specialist & Senior Lecturer to Dentists
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What is Root Canal Treatment?
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- A root canal treatment is needed when the soft tissue located in a canal inside the roots of a tooth, known as the pulp, experiences inflammation or infection.
- The pulp is like the “heart of the tooth” and it contains blood vessels, nerves and soft tissues.
- The anatomy inside of a tooth is very complex and most of the times a single tooth presents more than one canal.
- Inflammation or infection can occur as a result of several things including deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty fillings or crowns, or trauma to the tooth.
- Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums.
- However, sometimes you may not experience any symptoms but still be in need of endodontic treatment and if left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
What is a Specialist Root Canal Dentist (Endodontist)?
Specialist Endodontist is a dentist who specialises in saving teeth. Endodontists receive many years of advanced education in Endodontics following training as a general dentist.
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Specialist advice and treatment
- Although endodontic treatment is carried out by many general dentists, there may be situations where a more predictable result may be achieved by a dental specialist, who has training to a higher level, more experience and equipment that general dentists may not use.
- The complexity of endodontic treatment can range from those cases that are completely straightforward to those that will challenge the specialist, especially in re-treatment cases. It is not always easy to predict which category a particular case may fall into. Similarly diagnosis and case assessment may also be difficult.
- Many general dentists do not use equipment such as an operating microscope and Cone Beam CT scanning equipment which make diagnosis and treatment more predictable.
What is The Treatment Process
Endodontic treatment usually can be completed in one appointment, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances.
Endodontic treatment may require more than one visit to completely remove the infected pulp and restore the tooth.
Initially, we take X-rays to assess the condition of the root canals and determine the extent of the damage. Local anaesthetic is then applied to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Next, we access the tooth to remove the pulp. To ensure all infection is cleared, we carefully shape the canals and irrigate them with a disinfecting solution. The canals are then sealed to prevent further infection.
Finally, we restore the tooth’s structure using white composite material. If there is any discolouration from the infection, we can use porcelain crowns to fully restore the tooth’s appearance.
Dr Shalini Kanagasingam
Specialist Endodontist. Senior Clinical Lecturer - Course Lead MSc & MClinDent Endodontology
BDS MClinDent Endodontology (Lon) MFDS RCSEng MRD
RCSEdin MFDS RCPSGlasg MRestDentGlasg FHEA
GDC No: 248625
Dr Shalini is a Registered Specialist with the General Dental Council (UK), having completed her training at Guy’s Hospital in 2009.
She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). She is a Course Lead for the part-time MSc Endodontology programme and the full time MClinDent Endodontology programme.
As the Course Lead and Senior Clinical Lecturer at UCLAN, Dr Shalini routinely undertakes complex root canal treatments, which general dentists in practice are unable to.
Dr Shalini’s training, experience and research work puts her at the forefront of Endodontic (root canal) treatments.
Dr Shalini Kanagasingam contributed to ‘The Principles of Endodontics’ edited by UCLan’s Clinical Professor Dr Shanon Patel and Dr Justin Barnes. The textbook is a guide on why and how to carry out safe and effective endodontic treatment.
Final Restoration of Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?
We go extra mile to save your teeth!
- We advise that between two to six weeks after your root canal treatment is completed to have your final restoration (normally a crown) done unless advised differently by us.
- This amount of time will allow most of your tenderness to subside before having further procedures done on your tooth.
- If your tooth does not get the necessary final restoration (crown or filling) and the temporary filling wears out, the root canal will become infected and need retreatment, microsurgery or extraction.
- A crown is often the ideal restorative option following root canal treatment, especially when a large amount of your natural tooth structure has been lost.
Dental Crowns serve a dual purpose:
- Firstly, crowns reinforce and support the remaining tooth structure, so as to prevent the
generation or continued extension of cracks. - Think of a crown like a “hard hat” to protect your tooth.
Secondly, crowns can be an aesthetic option to replace missing tooth structure.
In certain cases, a tooth may lack sufficient structure for a crown to be placed. In such cases, a post may be necessary for additional support.
If only a minimal amount of your tooth is missing, a conventional filling may be all that is required to restore your tooth to its natural appearance and function.
Dr Shalini will advise you of the best option for your tooth following an assessment of your treatment records
and x-rays.
Root Canal Treatment at Camden Place Dental Practice, Preston
Your Experience
- When you visit us for the first time, we will normally arrange for you to have a consultation with Specialist Endodontist, Dr Shalini.
- During this consultation we may need to take xrays so we can fully assess your condition and present you with a full range of treatment options.
- Once we have discussed your situation and you have decided upon the treatment option that best meets your needs, we will then arrange one or more appointment sessions in which your treatment will be carried out.
Endodontic Re-treatment
Occasionally a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment
This can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common of which are listed in this section. A re-treated tooth can function well for years, or even a full lifetime. However, once a tooth has been previously treated, the success rates of further re-treatments drop to about 80%.
Main Reasons for Re-treatment
- Difficulty in cleaning very fine, narrow canals, leaving unclean portions of the root.
- Complicated canal anatomy, perhaps with extra, undetected canals.
- Further bacterial leakage around the filling/crown or a fracture allowing contamination.