Endodontics

Saving teeth is our priority. We are proud to be able to offer root canal treatment (Endodontics) in Enfield with our root canal specialist – Dr.Keval Shah

Endodontics Referrals

We are accepting referrals from local dentists.

Why has my dentist referred me to a specialist for root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is one of the most technically demanding procedures in dentistry.

Although many dentists have the training ability to deal with many root canal treatments, there are situations requiring specialist intervention with advanced techniques and advanced equipment. Often these cases can be complicated and a root canal specialist/endodontist can offer the best chances of success.

What is root canal treatment and why is it carried out?

Root canal treatment is often the last resort before extraction.

Treatment is often required when bacteria invade the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) of the tooth through either decay, crack in the tooth, trauma, or a large filling which duly causes an infection often resulting in tenderness, pain, infection, abscess, and pus discharge.

Symptoms can vary but often can cause sensitivity, dull ache, throbbing pain, and swelling. Sometimes infection can present as incidental finding on an X-Ray by your dentist.

The only way to save your tooth at this point is by root canal treatment.

What happens during root canal treatment?

The main aim is to access the tooth usually through the back of the front teeth and top of the back teeth into the infected pulp space. Remove all infected and necrotic material, thoroughly disinfect and completely seal the space with a rubber-like material remaining giving the least opportunity for bacteria to survive and for the tooth to live another day!

Often root canal treatment is simple and straightforward but at times can be complicated by long roots, curved canals, pulp stones, blockages, and previous root fillings.

Often visits are completed between one and a half and two hours and between one to two visits. Our root canal specialist will examine the case and act in the best interests of the tooth and patient

Will I feel anything?

All treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic but with nervous patients, we can provide sedation if required.

Aftercare

There may be some residual discomfort for a few days that will usually resolve with painkillers. In some more trickier or infected cases we may need to prescribe antibiotics

Often root canal treated teeth are heavily filled and are at risk of fracture. Generally, the molar teeth, which are your main chewing teeth, will benefit and increase their long-term prognosis by having a crown after a successful root canal.

Is root canal treatment successful?

Nothing can be guaranteed but having a root canal by a specialist endodontist gives the tooth the best chance of success. Often success by percentage quoted by research is between 90-95% for first-time root canals and success reduces for root canals which have to be redone to 60-85%

Our Specialist Endodontist – Dr Kewal Shah BDS (Bristol) MFDS (Royal college of surgeons England 2007) MEndo (Royal college of surgeons Edinburgh 2021) MclinDent Endodontology – Distinction – KCL 2021

Kewal is our resident Endodontist. His expertise allows him to deal with teeth that have complex endodontic (root canal related) problems, meaning he can save teeth that may otherwise need to be extracted. He has extensive experience in providing root canal treatment and retreatment, apical surgery and dealing with traumatic injuries to the teeth. His compassionate approach ensures an excellent patient experience. 

After graduating from the prestigious University of Bristol in 2005, Kewal went on to complete the Royal College of Surgeons (England) Membership examinations in 2007.   

Kewal is one of the few dentists to be awarded a specialist training position in endodontics at Guy’s and King’s College Dental Institute where he successfully completed 4 years of advance training and passed all examinations with distinction. 

He was also awarded the Membership in Endodontics by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, which is recognised as the highest qualification in the field. 

He currently divides his time between St Georges Hospital (as a Restorative Specialty Dentist), and private referral practices. 

Back to Specialist Dentistry