Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected through tooth decay or damaged by an injury to your mouth. This infection may spread through the root canal system and could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out.
Root canal therapy involves the following:
1. First, local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure no discomfort is felt during treatment.
2. The tooth will be prepared with a drill, allowing access to the root canal system.
3. The root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned out to remove all infection and pulp.
4. The root canal system is then filled and sealed temporarily with a crown.
5. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits.
Life Benefits
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Preservation of remaining healthy tooth structure.
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Prevention of infection spreading any further.
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Restoration of tooth to its natural look and feel.
Root Canal
Therapy
In cases of advanced gum disease and tooth decay, teeth may need to be extracted. Some patients may also develop impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause intense pain. This is alleviated by having them removed surgically. One area in which it is possible for dentists to specialise is oral surgery, an umbrella term for all dental procedures involving surgery, such as the extraction of teeth or wisdom teeth. It is always important to get the advice of a dental professional if you are worried about any of your teeth. Never attempt to pull out your own tooth at home as this could cause a more serious problem for you.
Tooth extractions typically involve the following:
1. Before the procedure you may require an x-ray of your teeth.
2. Depending on your particular case and the severity of your problem, you may be given a local anaesthetic and offered sedation if you are anxious.
3. Dentists have the right equipment and sterile environment to extract teeth with the utmost care and your recovery can be surprisingly quick.
4. In the case of wisdom tooth extractions, you may have some swelling after the procedure and discomfort that can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers. In cases of advanced gum disease or periodontitis, antibiotics will be prescribed to reduce the risk of further infection.
Life Benefits
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Safe and sterile procedure.
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Quick recovery and healing time with reduced infection risk.
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Sustained good oral health.
Extractions
The way your teeth meet when your top and bottom jaws close down on top of each other is known as your 'bite'. If your teeth don't fit together properly, you could have malocclusion or 'bad bite', which can cause problems with your teeth, gums, the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles in your face.
This misalignment, often referred to as TMJ disorder, can also cause some people to clench the jaw and grind their teeth at night. This can lead to facial pain, headaches, discomfort and clicking when biting or chewing, migraines as well as neck and shoulder pain, and even back pain.
If you recognise any of these symptoms or suffer with these on a daily basis, you will need to see a dentist to treat your problems or to refer you to a specialist if necessary. Treatment can include the following:
1. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a customised plastic appliance that fits over your teeth and is worn at night.
2. When the device is worn, your teeth are in a position where your facial muscles are relaxed, preventing grinding and taking the pressure off your TMJ.
3. The device also protects the teeth, preventing them from becoming worn down by grinding.
Depending on the origin and severity of your problem, you may need orthodontic treatment or maxillofacial surgery. Other solutions may include replacing missing teeth or adjusting any ill-fitting bridgework that you may have. The most important thing to do is to see your dentist as soon as possible so that your problem does not become worse over time and require more drastic measures to correct.
Life Benefits
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Alleviated facial and TMJ pain, including a reduction in headaches.
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Prevention of extensive tooth wear.
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Enhanced quality of sleep.
Jaw Problems
Emergency
If you have chipped or broken a tooth as a result of an accident or injury, it is very important that you see a dentist as soon as possible. The same goes for one or more knocked out teeth. The sooner you are seen by a dental professional the better the chances that the teeth could be re-implanted, depending on the severity of your injury.
Here are some of the steps an emergency dental appointment will cover:
1. A thorough examination of the injured area will be undertaken. This may include dental x-rays to determine the extent of the damage.
2. Depending on the severity of the pain, the area will be numbed with local anaesthetic.
3. The injured area will be sterilised to reduce the risk of infection.
4. The damaged teeth will be restored temporarily or permanently, depending on the case.
5. In severe cases the affected tooth may require extraction and implant treatment will be discussed.
If you require emergency dental treatment, you should ask to see a dentist as soon as possible. At our practice we offer appointments for all dental emergencies from toothache to lost or broken crowns, chipped teeth and fillings to abscesses, trauma, avulsed teeth and facial swelling. We can take care of your injuries to ensure you heal quicker and more effectively, ensuring that you avoid additional dental problems and complications in the future.
Life Benefits
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Preservation of remaining tooth structure.
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Reduced risk of infection.
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Improved long-term oral health overall.
“Following a fall in which I broke my teeth, I am really thrilled with the wonderful result of restoration, which is both natural looking and is very comfortable. Dr Wilkhu did a great job! “
Mrs L M Moore (Egham)
Why are people afraid of the dentist?
For most dental patients, dental cleanings and check-ups are a necessary part of life and an essential part of their oral hygiene routine. Sometimes it can become annoying, but it is important for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. However, for some people, the idea of visiting the dentist fills them with fear and anxiety.
At our practice, we appreciate that anxiety can lead to a few poor oral health choices and we are here to help you regain control of your oral health.
Common reasons people are afraid of the dentist
People avoid the dentist for many reasons, some of which are more serious than others. Some people believe that dental treatment will be as painful as dental pain. Moreover, the potential use of the drill makes them anxious and it is something they want to avoid at all costs. At our practice, we do our best not to expose our patients to their worst fears. Our dentists will create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere ensuring that all dental tools used are designed in such a way to cause the least discomfort possible.
Other patients do not like visiting the dentist because they do not feel comfortable when they are not in control. For instance, for some people having a dentist poking around their mouth sounds terrifying. We will always ask for your permission and explain the procedure in detail before they touch your mouth. Moreover, we will not judge the state of your teeth nor will we make any comments on the state of your oral health. Instead, we will do our best to restore your oral health.
Life Benefits
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Now you don’t have to let your fear of the dentist stop you from getting the dental treatment that you need.
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A safe way to feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment.
Nervous
Patients
Nervous Patient Review
"I cannot speak highly enough of the "Stoneylands Dental Practice."
"I have had a fear of dentists since I was a child, having had some very traumatic dental experiences.
I found Stoneylands 17 years ago when I returned to the UK, having spent 20 years overseas, jumping from one dental practice to another, incurring a build up of more...