Endodontics / Root Canal
Do you need root canal treatment in Buckinghamshire?
Endodontic treatment, commonly known as root canal treatment, is a crucial procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or damaged deep within its structure.
At Village Dental in Great Missenden we are very pleased to have Dr Rahul Bose, a specialist Endodontist on our team, who has extensive experience and qualifications in root canal treatment.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside every tooth, beneath the hard outer layers of enamel and dentin, lies the pulp or nerve. This area is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes damaged due to decay, cracks, deep restorations, or trauma, it can become infected or inflamed, leading to severe pain and sometimes an abscess. If untreated, the infection can spread, possibly resulting in tooth loss.
- Root canal treatment is designed to clean out the infected or damaged pulp tissue, thoroughly disinfect the area, and replace it with a durable, inert material called gutta-percha. This helps restore the tooth’s structure and function while also preventing further infection, thus allowing the tooth to be saved.
- The procedure often takes place in one visit, but in more complicated cases, multiple visits may be required. This depends on factors like the severity of the infection, the complexity of the root system, and how thoroughly the tooth needs to be cleaned.
When do I need to see an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist)?
Although root canal treatment is highly effective, there are situations where it can be more challenging. In these cases, a general dentist might refer the patient to a specialist endodontist, a specialist in treating complex root canal cases. On our team we have specialist endodontist Dr Rahul Bose. Complex cases can include:
- Complex Root Canal Anatomy: Some teeth have multiple canals or unusual shapes that are difficult to navigate.
- Blocked or Calcified Root Canals: Over time, root canals can become blocked due to calcification, which makes cleaning and treatment more difficult.
- Curved Root Canals: When the root canal has sharp bends or curves, it can be hard to properly clean and shape it.
- Inability to Locate Root Canals: In certain cases, particularly with molars or teeth with narrow canals, it can be difficult to locate all the canals.
- Instrument Breakage: During the procedure, small instruments used to clean the canal can break, leading to complications that require specialized care.
- Increase the success rate: Root canal treatments performed by a specialist generally have a high success rate, and the majority of treated teeth can function well for many years if properly cared for.
- Treatment of failed root canals: A specialist can also repeat root canal treatments when a previous procedure has failed or an infection persists.
- Specialist equipment: A specialist is trained in the use of a microscope to maximise the success rate.
What are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment offers an effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth, preventing the need for extraction and maintaining your natural smile.
- Pain Relief: Root canal treatment is performed to relieve the pain caused by the infection or inflammation of the pulp.
- Tooth Preservation: Rather than extracting the tooth, endodontic treatment allows you to preserve your natural tooth, which is beneficial for both function and appearance.
- Preventing the infection from spreading: Root canal treatment helps prevent the spread of infection from the tooth to other parts of the mouth or even the body.
- Cost-Effective: Saving the natural tooth through root canal treatment is often less expensive than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
Meet our Endodontist
Dr Rahul Bose
Registered Specialist in Endodontics
BDS, MFDS RCS(Ed), MClinDent in Endodontology (KCL), MEndo RCS(Ed)
In complex root canal scenarios, an endodontist, a dentist who specialises in root canal treatment, has the advanced training and tools needed to address these challenges.
At the Village Dental Practice, Dr Rahul Bose is a skilled endodontic specialist who is highly experienced in performing these intricate procedures. He accepts referrals from a range of practices, ensuring that patients with complicated cases receive the best possible care.
At the Village Dental Practice, in Great Missenden, we prioritise excellent patient care and strive to make your experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. To ensure the highest quality of endodontic care, we have created a treatment room equipped with the latest and most advanced technology.
State-of-the-Art Endodontic Equipment
Root Canal Treatment Microscope
- At the Village Dental Practice, our Specialist Endodontist Dr Rahul Bose, is trained in the use of our state-of-the-art microscope for root canal procedures. This allows for superior visualisation of the tooth’s internal structures, especially the complex root canal anatomy.
- The microscope provides high magnification, making it easier to identify and clean even the smallest and most intricate canals. In many cases, the microscope helps reveal additional root canals that are often missed with the naked eye. These hidden canals can harbour bacteria and may lead to infections or failed treatments if not addressed.
- The increased visibility provided by the microscope enhances both the precision and success of the treatment, reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term outcomes.
Cone-Beam CT (CBCT)
- For more complex cases, you may be referred for a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, a 3D imaging technology that provides highly detailed scans of your tooth. The CBCT scan allows Dr Bose to visualise the tooth, its roots, and surrounding structures in three dimensions, offering a much clearer understanding of the tooth’s anatomy and any potential issues.
- This advanced imaging is particularly helpful when treating challenging cases, such as teeth with curved or calcified root canals, or when the anatomy is difficult to discern with traditional X-rays. CBCT can assist in precise diagnosis and treatment planning, ensuring that the procedure is as effective and efficient as possible.
Root Canal FAQs
After your root canal treatment is complete, it’s important to restore the function and strength of the treated tooth to ensure it can continue to perform effectively. In many cases, you will be referred back to your regular dentist for further restoration work.
Onlays or Crowns: To protect the treated tooth and restore its structure, your dentist may recommend placing an onlay or crown. These restorations provide strength and protection to the tooth, preventing it from becoming vulnerable to fractures or future decay.
We understand that dental procedures, especially those like root canal treatment, can sometimes be intimidating. That’s why we focus not only on expert care but also on ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
From the moment you walk in, our team will work with you to create a relaxing environment, and our cutting-edge equipment ensures that your treatment is as quick and pain-free as possible.
While dental implants are becoming increasingly popular as a replacement for missing teeth, it’s important to note that implants are not without their drawbacks. They can be more expensive than saving the original tooth through root canal treatment, and while implants are durable, they don’t last forever and may require replacement or maintenance over time.
Additionally, the process of replacing a tooth with an implant involves surgery and recovery time, making it a more invasive option compared to root canal therapy, which allows you to retain your natural tooth.
In complex cases requiring a root canal procedure, an endodontist can provide the specialised care necessary to ensure the success of the treatment. A specialist endodontist has the advanced training and tools needed to address these challenges. If you require root canal treatment, make an appointment to see our specialist, Dr Rahul Bose.
Book a Root Canal Consultation today
Looking for root canal treatment in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, or the surrounding areas, such as Prestwood, Amersham, Penn, Berkhamsted, Beaconsfield, Chesham, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Aylesbury?
Make an appointment today with our specialist endodontist, Dr Rahul Bose.
Call us on 01494 862081