Dental Treatments

A root canal treatment is a process used to treat infected tooth pulp. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue necessary for tooth health and function.

Tooth decay in the form of cavities left untreated will allow bacteria to enter the tooth, causing rot and damage to the tooth’s internal structure. To save it from extraction, your dentist may perform a root canal procedure.

If you are experiencing pain or inflammation, your dentist will take an x-ray to determine if a root canal is required. During treatment, the affected tooth will be thoroughly cleaned, and any infection will be removed.

The tooth will then be sealed with a filling or a crown. A local anaesthetic will be administered prior, so any discomfort or pain will be minimal. We strive to ensure patient comfort throughout the entire process.

For those who require root canal treatment when there is an infection in the centre of the tooth, our dedicated clinicians will carefully treat the tooth using the very best materials, tools and techniques to ensure you can return to eating, talking and laughing again in no time.

Suppose you have already had root canal treatment. But the affected tooth doesn’t heal, and the infection persists; you may have to undergo a minor procedure called an apicectomy.

A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and an incision is made on the gum to clear infected tissue and reduce inflammation. The end of the root is removed and then sealed with a small filling. Stitches will be placed in the gum tissue.

The bone and gum area will generally heal over two to three weeks.

This is also known as a baby root canal as it is typically performed on children. It’s not as intrusive as a root canal treatment. This is carried out on a primary tooth where an infection has entered into the pulp due to dental caries.

Your dentist will do his utmost to save ‘baby teeth’, as early extractions should be avoided in children. You may think that primary teeth will fall out anyway, and of course, they do. Still, it’s important to maintain structure in the jaw and ensure that adult teeth emerge in the correct place. Besides, a pulpotomy will ensure zero infection on neighbouring teeth or gums.

Periodontics focuses on periodontal diseases (or gum disease) and the treatment of your gums to restore oral health. Gum disease, if not treated, will most definitely lead to tooth loss.

The most common sign of gum disease is bleeding and swelling in areas around your teeth. If you suffer from advanced gum disease, your dentist performs a procedure called root planing. This is a deep cleaning procedure done under the gums to get rid of bacteria from the roots of your teeth and performed with local anaesthetic or sedation if required.

Although not considered advanced dentistry, another procedure known as a scale and polish can be carried out for milder gum disease issues. An oral hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, particularly around the gum areas, using specialised instruments.

This is a professional clean and far more intense than regular brushing. Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups will include a scale and polish, a highly preventative measure against the early onset of gum disease.

Prosthodontic treatment is required after a patient experiences tooth loss or damage. It’s a form of dentistry aimed at restoring the appearance and function of your teeth.

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. Many patients who have received dental implants tell us that they forget they even had missing teeth, thanks to the fact that the replacement looks and feels just like their natural teeth.

At Oh My Smile, we cover an extensive range of prosthetic dentistry, such as implants, crowns, dentures and bridges. We proudly serve our patients in Stockport, Cheadle and all of Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

There is no definitive answer here. For some, it could be a simple tooth extraction, and for others, it’s a root canal treatment. At the end of the day, any tooth pain can be distressing, and a trip to the dentist can cause anxiety.

The advances in modern dentistry mean dental procedures, once considered painful, can be carried out with no discomfort to you. Take encouragement from knowing that you can avoid painful dental procedures by practising good oral hygiene!

Brush twice a day and incorporate a flossing routine. A twice-yearly check-up with your dentist will also nip any issues in the bud!

You can anticipate the most discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours after any dental surgery. If you have had a tooth extraction, dental implants or root canal treatment, there are many methods you can use to ease any pain and avoid infection.

• Use an ice pack on the area. This will reduce swelling and bruising.
• Make sure you get plenty of rest, don’t do anything strenuous for a while.
• Follow all post-dental surgery instructions given by your dentist.
• There will probably be some bleeding post-surgery.
• Use some gauze in the affected area to help slow the flow and assist in clotting.
• Take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist.