All 51 Clinics that provide Root Canals in Bedfordshire

To prevent or reverse infection of badly damaged and decayed teeth, it may be necessary to carry out a root canal treatment. Though possessed of a fearsome reputation, the procedure is now well understood and produces excellent long lasting results with minimal discomfort.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Tiny canals in your tooth become infected and can cause quite severe pain. The purpose of a root canal is to save a badly infected tooth. If not performed extraction of the tooth is commonly required. The infected canals are cleared then filled. It is quite common for the tooth to require a crown or a filling.

You might need a root canal if one or more of your teeth have become infected and there is severe damage to the pulp of your tooth.

Things to look out for include:

• Although simple root canals can be performed by a general dentist, more complex root canals (such as those on your rear teeth) may require a specialised Endodontist.
• Commonly a root canal treatment will require a crown as well. Be aware of this potential additional cost
• Hugh advances in root canals have been made over the last decade,  so make sure your dentist is up to date

What is the procedure like?

The tooth has small canals filled with what is known as pulp: these reach right down into its root. The tooth’s canals may become infected and the pulp within them is first removed in a procedure referred to as a pulpotomy. The canals are then temporarily filled with an alkaline paste and the tooth is left to settle during which time the paste thoroughly disinfects the tooth.

A second appointment about a week afterwards is necessary to complete the procedure. The pulpotomy should remove any discomfort related to infection within the tooth. In the follow up the temporary paste is removed. The canals are filled with an inert material and the tooth should be given a protective crown to protect the work. The procedure is spread over two or more dental visits.

What affects the price?

• The dentist selected
• If a specialized endodontic is required
• The position on of the tooth
• The type of crown required (if any)

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. The follow table gives some indicative costs for root canals across the world:

A guide to dentistry in the UK

The UK has some of the world's longest established medical and dental organizations. It has played a central role in shaping the ethical and scientific face of modern dental practice. The practice and structure of the profession in Britain serve as a model for many countries' dental profession.

Benefits of British Dentistry

Regular checkups are a vital part of good oral healthcare and a local dentist is by far the best choice. A trusting relationship with your local dentist has emmense benefits: dental emergencies can be dealt with by a healthcare professional who knows your medical history inside out. Even for more expensive treatments the value of this close working knowledge can far outweigh price considerations, ensuring an ongoing beneficial, oral regimen.

Dentists in the UK - Qualifications

A 5 year dental curriculum can be followed at any of UK's 13 dental schools. Successful graduates receive a Bachelor of Dental Science degree (BDS).

There are a large number of specialties that can be followed following standard dental practice including: Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics and Endodontics.

Dentists in the UK - Patient Rights

Organizations

The General Dental Council regulates the dental profession in the UK. It keeps an up-to-date register of dental professionals: dentists, dental nurses, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental technicians, dental therapists, and orthodontic therapists.

The British Dental Association is the primary representative organization for dentists in the UK.

Dental Ethics

The General Dental Council publishes ethical guidelines for the profession. These cover a dentists duty to continually update their skills, promote dental health, their duty to the profession and their patients as well as the proper manner in which to advertise their services and how to charge for treatment. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in censure, suspension or removal of the right to practice.

Continuing education

Mandatory, continuing education was introduced in 2001. 250 hours of training and seminars must be completed every 5 years to maintain the right to practice dentistry in the UK.

Complaints

There is a comprehensive system for dealing with complaints. The Dental Complaints Service (DCS) is the primary mechanism for patient complaints. Questions about a particular dentist's fitness to practice may be handled by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and judged against the Fitness to Practise Procedures (FTP). These are all under the auspices of the General Dental Council.

Data Protection

Dentists in the UK:

London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leicester, Coventry, Bradford, Cardiff, Wakefield, Plymouth, Reading, Stockport, Huntly, Huddersfield

Resources

General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street,
London,
W1G 8DQ

Tel: +44 (0)84 5222 4141
Fax: +44 (0)20 7224 3294
Email: ces@gdc-uk.org
Web: www.gdc-uk.org

Ethical Guidelines

Ethical guidelines of the GDC

British Dental Association
Web: www.bda.org

The Information Commissioner's Office
Web: www.ico.gov.uk

Dental Practice Board for England and Wales: http://www.dpb.nhs.uk

NHS dentist advice guide: www.adviceguide.org.uk/h_nhs_dental_treatment.pdf

Postgraduate and Specialty training: www.rcseng.ac.uk/ (Maintained by the Royal College of Surgeons)

Healthcare Commission: www.healthcarecommission.org.uk

World Dental Federation on the UK (including a list of all UK dental schools): www.fdiworldental.org/

Association of Dental Implantology: www.adi.org.uk

The biggest choice of root canals clinics in Bedfordshire with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best root canals for you in Bedfordshire.