Root Canal Treatment at MSC

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) is a procedure that is used to remove infection from the root canal of your tooth.

Why it’s Important

The blood or nerve supply of a tooth - known as the pulp- can become infected due to decay or injury, and if this happens, the infection could spread through the root canal system of the tooth, potentially leading to an abscess. Therefore, root canal treatment (RCT) is important because it helps to stop the spread of infection. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the spread of infection will occur and it is possible that the tooth will need to be taken out.

Given that the pulp cannot heal once it is destroyed and that it is not advisable to leave an infected tooth in the mouth, there is the alternative option of having the tooth removed. While this may seem like a preferable option to some people, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

What Happens During Treatment?

A time-consuming treatment that requires a lot of skill, root canal treatment means you will need to make a minimum of two visits to your dentist. Firstly, the infected pulp is removed; also, if there are any abscesses, these will be drained at this stage. After this, the root canal is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling. A temporary filling is put in before the tooth is then left to settle.

At a later visit, the tooth will be checked. Once all of the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

Following Treatment

There are treatments available to you if the root canal treatment leads to tooth discolouration, which is rare. It may be a good idea to restore the tooth with a crown to strengthen it. Take care of any teeth that have undergone this treatment in the same way as you would with your normal teeth; clean them at least once a day- ideally with a fluoride toothpaste, reduce the number of sugary snacks you eat and keep them to mealtimes if possible, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.

If the root canal treatment is not advised by your dentist, or if the treatment is unsuccessful and repeated RCT attempts also fail, apicoectomy becomes necessary. This form of treatment attempts to get rid of the root tip and all of the infected tissue. A small incision will be made into your gum before the infected tissue and remaining few millimetres of the root tip are taken away. Finally, a filling is placed to seal the root end. Depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the roots, the treatment can last between 30-90 minutes.

How Midlands Smile Centres Can Help

Root Canal Treatment is a very important type of treatment for patients. Given the problems that a damaged or decayed root canal can cause, you will be happy to learn that root canal treatment is available here at Midlands Smile Centres and is performed by our highly skilled, experienced dentists. If you're experiencing pains, swelling or abscesses, it's important that you book a dental appointment as soon as possible, to reduce the amount of permanent damage that could be caused.

Emergency Dental Treatment at MSC

Emergency dental treatment is available at Midlands Smile Centres practices across Birmingham. You do not need to be a Midlands Smile Centres patient to receive our emergency dental treatment. It is always advisable in dental emergencies to see a dentist quickly. Doing so will mean a better chance of resolving the problems with your teeth.

Due to the fact that we at MSC have practices situated around Birmingham, we are often closer to patients who require help than the Dental Hospital or other dentists providing emergency dental treatment. We are usually able to give you the attention you require faster than a Dental Hospital.*

Warning signs that dental problems are occurring can be subtle. At times, warning signs can easily go unnoticed due to low levels of pain being more difficult to detect during the day. Midlands Smiles Centres can be contacted if pain killers are failing to provide the necessary relief from pain.

Visit our website for Emergency Dental Treatment from MSC. 

If possible, we will arrange for treatment to take place at your nearest Midlands Smile Centre practice. If this is not possible, please note that Selly Oak MSC and Kings Heath MSC are usually staffed by our emergency dentists.

Contact us immediately if you have any of these problems:

• Toothache that has lasted for more than 30 minutes after taking pain relief, cleaning and flossing between your teeth.
• A lump on your gum line next to the root of your teeth. This could be an abscess and could result in tooth loss if it is left untreated.
• A broken tooth or broken filling. Failure to receive treatment for this could result in further tooth or filling damage and eventual tooth loss.
• A broken crown. Without treatment this could result in untreatable decay to the root of the tooth, abscesses and eventual tooth loss.

• A tooth which has been knocked out. Place the dislodged tooth in a sealed container filled with milk and take it with you to the dentist. The reason for this is that dislodged teeth can sometimes be re-inserted. Do not wash or clean the tooth as this reduces the possibility of it being reinserted.
• A lost tooth. The wound left in your gum can be attended to by a dentist. Infection in the wound can cause abscesses and other complications. This is particularly important if you plan to have a dental implant.
• A loose or partially dislodged adult tooth. Avoid touching the tooth, except if you are preventing the tooth from falling out. Try to support the tooth instead of applying pressure to the tooth to keep it in place. Your dentist may be able to reinsert the tooth into its original location.

 

You do not need to be registered or have previously been a patient of Midlands Smile Centres to access our emergency dental treatment service. If you need Emergency Dental Treatment from Midlands Smile Centres, you can find everything you need on our website. 

*assumes Midlands Smile Centre practices are closer to patients than Birmingham Dental Hospital and patients call during practice opening hours.

Full Guide to MSC Emergency Treatment

Midlands Smile Centres will provide an around the clock services for any emergency treatment. We provide a multitude of services which are available to both new and existing patients of Midlands Smile Centres. If you are in need of any emergency treatment, the number you will need can be found on our emergency treatment page.

Alongside this it is always satisfying to know that the emergency treatment can be completed quickly, usually faster than you are able to get to the Dental Hospital.* This is because MSC has a number of practices throughout Birmingham, this means that help is never far away. Finding a dentist near you is quick and simple meaning each emergency can be processed efficiently. We pride ourselves on our quick and efficient service.

To ensure that every client can be treated to the best ability of each dentist, it is key that a person in question receives their treatment quickly. The quicker a patient receives dental treatment, the more likely the treatment will be a success. For a client that may be in pain this is an important factor. 

Dentistry is something that some people may not consider an important aspect of their health, however it is something which should not be over looked. You may ask why emergency dental treatment is necessary, well there are a number of problems that can occur without notice. Some of these can become rather painful and cause a large amount of discomfort. This is why emergency dental treatment is essential, being able to relieve pain and stop the problem form getting worse is something which we find to be of importance to every patient that experiences our emergency treatment. The MSC community recommend that existing and new patients take time to learn about their dental health so that if an issue arises, it can be dealt with swiftly before it causes further problems or damage.

Something that MSC take particular concern over is an occurrence when a tooth has be knocked-out of the mouth. If this should ever happen to either yourself or somebody you know, Midlands Smile Centre is here to help. We suggest that in the eventuality of a tooth being knocked out, to follow simple steps that can be taken to help ensure the tooth can be re-inserted. These steps are to place the tooth into a container of milk and to avoid washing/drying it. Then take the tooth with you to the dentist where hopefully the tooth can be placed back into the gum line.

Other problems that Midlands Smile Centres come across include loose teeth. Again this is something that can be fixed, in most cases our highly trained dentists are able to return the tooth back to its original position and fix it in place, avoiding the need for more treatment. If you are to come across a suspect tooth that seems loose it is vital that you try and refrain from messing with the tooth, reducing contact and avoid placing any pressure. In fact we suggest that it is better practice to apply support to the tooth in order to limit the risk of further damage or the tooth falling out of place 

It is worth noting that a lost tooth is also something which should be treated of high significance, and help should be enlisted to sort the issue. If a tooth falls out, the gap it leaves can become infected, much like an open wound can be if it is not treated. This can result in further problems such as an abscess, therefore the best form of action is to get it seen to as soon as is possible. In the unfortunate circumstance where you do lose a tooth, we have a number of treatments that can help remedy this, such as dental implants.

You may have concerns that may seem minor, however you should be aware that sometimes things may not seem important but can cause a lot of future problems. Tooth ache is something that a lot of people pass off and consider to be insignificant. We recommend that if tooth ache is persistent and is still discomforting after taking pain killers, then it is vital that you get in touch with us on our emergency line so that the experienced team here at MSC can get the right treatment for you. 

A second relevant issue would be a lump on your gum line next to the roots of your teeth. This is something which should be addressed immediately as it could be an abscess. If this is not treated quickly and properly it could result in further treatment or tooth loss.

Other problems which you may cross can include a broken tooth or filling. If such a situation was to occur then you should contact the MSC emergency treatment line. This is again something to be concerned about as it could lead to further damage such as tooth loss and/or additional filling damage if the problem area is to go untreated.

Finally, it is always advised that you take time to understand that dental care is a very important aspect of your health and should be taken seriously. We would also suggest that you familiarise yourself with your nearest Midlands Smile Centre dentistry and how best to get in contact with them in case an emergency was to occur. If you feel that you are in need of any form of emergency treatment then please contact our emergency treatment number.

*assumes Midland Smile Centre practices are closer to patients than Birmingham Dental Hospital and patients call during practice opening hours.

Oral and Kidney Health Linked?

Your oral health is very important for your body, it’s possible that your general health and well being could be severely affected by a lack of oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy means you not only avoid oral problems such as cavities, gum disease or losing teeth, but you could also avoid a number of other serious health problems.

The Link

Recent discoveries have strengthened the link between dental health and general health and well being. Now studies are showing the link between periodontal (gum) disease and kidney problems. These studies have shown that people who have gum disease are not only more likely to suffer from kidney disease, they also have a higher mortality rate than those who suffer from kidney disease alone. People who suffer from kidney disease are also more likely to experience a number of oral health problems.

Studies

One such study looked at gum health and kidney function indicators in a group of around 4000 adults aged over 40. Taking into account factors such as people who smoke and also their age, it was shown that those who had lost teeth had a much higher chance of suffering from chronic kidney disease than those who still had their natural teeth.

Those who suffer from kidney disease could also suffer from oral health problems. These problems include tooth loss, inflammation in both the mouth and salivary glands, gum disease, larger amounts of plaque, chewing problems, bone loss in the jaw, bad breath and a dry mouth.  

Another study examined data from around 14,000 patients, and showed that in 10 years the mortality rates of those who suffered from gum disease and chronic kidney disease was 41%, compared to 31% of those who suffered from chronic kidney disease alone. This is quite significant, if it is ascertained that this is a causal association then by controlling and treating gum disease it might be possible to improve the health of those with kidney disease.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common problem, three out of every four adults in the UK over the age of 35 suffer from it, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss. A common symptom of gum disease is bleeding and/or sore gums during your daily tooth brushing. Other symptoms which are normally indicators of the early stages being untreated include bad breath, unusual or unpleasant tastes, loose teeth or gum abscesses.

You can help avoid gum disease simply by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing. Regularly visiting your dentist means you can get the heads up on any signs of gum disease, and if there are any, you can start taking measures to ensure it doesn’t become a severe problem. Your dentist is the best tool you have for fighting off gum disease.

If you’ve already suffered from gum disease, you can restore your smile using one of our restorative treatments, such as Dental Implants or Denture Implants. These treatments not only fill the gap in your smile, they also can help reduce bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth. Implant treatments aren’t only for people with gum disease, anyone who has lost teeth can have this treatment for a brilliant smile.

Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres is a dentist in Birmingham that offers Implant treatments and more. Call your local practice and talk to one of our friendly receptionists to book a check-up. We can check your dental health and if needed, we can discuss the plan for your treatment. 

4 Helpful Tips to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be very painful at times. It can take you completely off-guard when you’re enjoying your morning coffee, or indulging in some ice cream after dinner. Some of your favourite food and drinks can turn into unpleasant reminders that you have sensitive teeth. Unfortunately, the more sensitive your teeth get, the more things you’ll find that can cause pain.

Hope isn’t lost on you enjoying another ice cream though, as sensitive teeth are actually a fairly common problem. Not only is it common, but there are a number of things you can do to help reduce the sensitivity of your teeth. Find below four great tips for reducing sensitivity.

1. Make sure you’re not brushing too hard

Your routine care of your teeth is very important. If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth though, it is possible that you might be overzealous in your daily care. Brushing that is too firm or for too long can cause your gums to recede. This means that sensitive areas of your teeth are exposed.

Make sure you brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use gentle circular motions. Also try and brush for 2 minutes. This is a good time to follow, as it makes sure you are brushing for long enough to help your oral hygiene, but not for so long that you cause problems.

2. Reduce the amount of acidic food and drink in your diet

Acidic foods and drinks are major causes in sensitive teeth. The acid in them can erode your tooth enamel, which leaves your teeth more sensitive. You should try and reduce the amount of things like soft drinks, sports or energy drinks, fruit juices and sour sweets in your diet.

3. Use a different type of toothpaste

There are many different types of toothpaste that you can buy, including whitening toothpaste. If you do use this type of toothpaste and suffer from sensitive teeth, it’s worth looking at any documentation that came with it. Some types of whitening toothpaste are known to be more abrasive than regular toothpaste, which could cause extra sensitivity.

4. Visit your local dentist

Sensitive teeth can be a sign of other problems, such as a cavity or that you are grinding your teeth at night, also sensitive teeth due to receding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Because of this, if you continue to suffer from sensitive teeth you should visit your dentist, so we can ascertain whether or not it is a serious problem.

Combating problems such as cavities or gum disease as early as possible is important, so you don’t suffer from any other problems. You don’t want to miss the early warning signs of sensitive teeth, and end up having to spend a lot more on treatments such as dental implants.

If you’re worried about your sensitive teeth, or have any other problems or concerns then you should contact your local Midlands Smile Centres and book a check-up. 

Help My Teeth are Loose!

We recently came across this question

Question
“MSC
Over the last decade my teeth have started to become loose. My teeth have also started to feel uncomfortable when I eat harder foods. Is there anything you can suggest which would help stop this, or any way you can help stabilise them?”

We decided to share the advice we gave, it may help someone else who has found themselves in this position, but is too frightened or embarrassed to ask

Answer
Obviously the best and first thing anyone with dental problems should do is clean their teeth thoroughly, including using inter dental brushes, floss and mouth wash, as food trapped between teeth can cause dental problems. If the problem persists or has progressed to the point where teeth have become loose, you should contact a dentist without delay. Teeth can become loose for a number of reasons, other times it is a result of sudden physical trauma, such as a sporting accident, sometimes it results from more gradual trauma such as tooth grinding, in some cases it is trauma to the jaw which has resulted in gradual or sudden bone loss. Most commonly it is caused by periodontal disease, bacteria which results from plaque. Due to there being so many different reasons teeth can become loose, it’s important to have a dentist assess the cause of the damage and recommend a treatment plan.

The good news in that in many cases, loose teeth can be treated and restored to a good level of dental health. The ways this is achieved vary, for example if the loss of tooth security has been caused by grinding, the dentist may decide all you need is a bite guard. This is a relatively inexpensive treatment and can resolve mild problems. If the problem has progressed further, the dentist might make a bite adjustment, by either replacing crowns, grinding fillings or teeth. This treatment is call an occlusal adjustment. A bite guard is also often used in conjunction with this treatment.

If a number of teeth have become loose or a single tooth has become very loose, a dental splint may be applied. Dental splints are in essence similar to braces, but don’t encase the entire set of lower, or upper teeth. In some cases the splints may be used to stabilise the teeth and then removed, but in other cases crowns may be used in combination with the splints as a permanent stabiliser.

Clear Aligners or Fixed Retainers?

It is also possible to use orthodontic braces to stabilise teeth. This would normally only be done where a patient has another reason for wanting braces, such as the desire to improve their smile or make it easier to clean their teeth. The cause of the underlying problem can make treatment with braces difficult or unsuitable, which only a dentist will be able to assess. A dentist will also be able to help you select the correct brace type, as both treatment and lifestyle can impact the brace which will best suit you. We find most patients are very glad to have a dentist help them select a brace, as deciding between clear aligners or fixed retainers can be, daunting, confusing or altogether off putting when faced alone.

Please don’t worry about your teeth any more, come and see one of our dental specialist, who will be more than happen to help you.

Regards

Kelly
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If you are worried about loose teeth, please don't delay book an appointment with MSC today. We have extended our opening hours, so one of our dental practices it probably able to help you out right now. Alternatively you may find it easier to send us a message via our website.

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