Specialist Dentistry

Specialist Endodontics Treatment

Family & Specialist Dental Practice in Twickenham

Specialist endodontics treatment (also called root canal treatment) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess.

If specialist endodontics treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out. Specialist endodontics treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.

Dr Taranpreet Puri

BDS (Hons) MJDF RCS PGCert MClinDent Endo MEndo RCSEng MEndo RCSE

  • Specialist Endodontist

    GDC No.: 154516

Taran is our in-house Endodontist and has been with us since 2018. Taran qualified in 2008 with BDS (Hons) and completed her specialist training at Guys’ Hospital, Kings’ College London (2020). Taran was awarded her MClinDent with Distinction. In addition, she was awarded speciality membership from both Royal Colleges of England and Edinburgh. Taran is a registered Endodontist and is included on the GDC Specialist List.

Taran is a member of professional societies such as the BES (British Endodontic Society) and Dental Trauma UK. She also regularly attends conferences organised by the ESE (European Society of Endodontics).

Taran is happy to accept internal and external referrals ranging from complex diagnosis of pain to providing a diversity of advanced treatments. Taran performs all treatment to a high standard and under the use of a high-end operating microscope.

Treatments that Taran provides includes vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment and or retreatment of any teeth with complex anatomy and canal curvature, severely sclerosed canals, management of broken-down teeth, teeth with developmental defects, teeth which may be affected by internal or external resorption and teeth which may have been traumatised due to dental injury as well as Surgical Endodontics when indicated in specific cases.

Professionally, Taran has a continuing role with Kings College London and assists with teaching and examining postgraduate students on the Distance Learning MSc Endodontics Programme. As part of Taran’s postgraduate training, she was also involved and maintains interests in various fields of research including outcome of root canal treatments, dental trauma and use of CBCT in endodontics. Her efforts and contributions culminated in her becoming a co-author in an academic paper published in the Journal of Endodontics (2021).

Does specialist endodontics treatment hurt?

No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.

Specialist endodontics treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

What will my tooth look like after treatment?

In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.

Specialist endodontics treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated. The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

Will the tooth be safe after treatment?

Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

Following specialist endodontics treatment , root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

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