Mr Waplington qualified BDS from the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry in 1988. After qualification he worked initially in the departments of oral surgery at East Birmingham and Walsall Manor hospitals performing a full range of dento-alveolar surgical procedures.
He joined the Albert Road Dental Practice in 1990 and was a partner until 2022. In 1995 he gained his master’s degree MDentSc, again from the University of Birmingham, and was a member of the teaching staff at the School of Dentistry in Birmingham for several years in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. He was accepted onto the General Dental Council’s Specialist list in Endodontics in 2001.
His research has been published in peer reviewed international journals and has written articles for several dental periodicals. He is an active member of the British Endodontic Society and has served on its council for 15 years including a 7-year role as Honorary Secretary. He was the President of the society in 2016. Michael has presented research papers at international conferences in Europe, Asia and North America, and is a member of the American Association of Endodontists and the European Society for Endodontology. He has lectured extensively within the UK to both general dental practitioners and postgraduate students and has regularly presented hands-on endodontic courses designed to improve participant’s clinical endodontic skills.
Mr Waplington is a very experienced clinician and has accepted Endodontic referrals at clinics in Evesham and Birmingham since 1997. He can offer a full range of non-surgical and surgical endodontic (root canal) treatments in a friendly and comfortable environment. He utilises the most up to date techniques and technologies including the routine use of a dental operating microscope. He is committed to providing high quality treatments and putting patients at ease by fully explaining treatment options and answering their concerns.
When it comes to dental procedures, the term root canal often sends shivers down people’s spines. But what if we told you that endodontics, which involves root canal therapy, could be the key to saving your tooth and maintaining your oral health? In this blog, we’ll break down what endodontics is, why it’s essential, and how it can help you avoid tooth loss.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp. The dental pulp is a soft tissue located at the centre of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this tissue becomes infected or damaged, endodontic treatment—commonly known as a root canal—is often needed to save the tooth and restore its function.
Why Would You Need Endodontic Treatment?
You may need endodontic treatment if the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to:
- Severe Tooth Decay: If a cavity goes untreated, bacteria can reach the pulp, causing infection or abscess.
- Trauma or Injury: A tooth may become cracked or broken due to an accident, exposing the pulp to infection.
- Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple fillings or procedures on the same tooth may cause the pulp to weaken and require treatment.
- Cracked Teeth: Cracks in the tooth can allow bacteria to infiltrate the pulp, leading to pain and infection.
When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe pain, swelling, sensitivity, and, in some cases, abscess formation. If left untreated, an infected pulp can lead to tooth loss and potentially affect your overall health. That’s where endodontics comes in.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment, the most common endodontic procedure, involves several steps to remove the infection and preserve the tooth. Here’s an overview of the process:
Diagnosis and X-Rays
Your dentist or endodontist will begin by examining the tooth and taking X-rays to determine the extent of the infection or damage to the pulp. Occasionally a 3 dimensional scan may be requested to confirm diagnosis and assess the root canal anatomy.
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure.
Accessing the Pulp
The dentist will make a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp inside.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining infection and bacteria.
Filling the Canals
After cleaning, the empty root canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal them off and prevent further infection as well as a specialist sealer cement.
Restoration
After treatment, a crown is often placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its natural appearance and function. In some cases, a filling may be sufficient for smaller teeth.
Why Choose Endodontic Treatment?
You might be wondering, “Why not just extract the tooth instead?” While tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, endodontics offers several significant advantages:
Tooth Preservation
One of the primary benefits of root canal treatment is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth. This is crucial for maintaining proper chewing function, preventing bone loss, and ensuring that your surrounding teeth stay in place.
Pain Relief
Root canal treatment alleviates the pain caused by infection or inflammation of the tooth’s pulp. After treatment, you’ll be able to return to your normal routine without the constant discomfort of an infected tooth.
Restored Functionality
After a successful root canal, your tooth can function just as it did before, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without difficulty.
Aesthetic Benefits
In cases where the tooth is in a visible area of your mouth, a root canal followed by a crown can restore the tooth’s appearance, making it look just like your natural teeth.
Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution
While root canal therapy may initially seem costly compared to tooth extraction, preserving your natural tooth can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for dentures, bridges, or implants.
Common Myths About Root Canals
There are several myths surrounding root canal treatments that may make people hesitant to undergo the procedure. Let’s debunk some of these misconceptions:
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful
Thanks to modern anaesthesia and advanced techniques, root canal procedures are no more painful than getting a filling. In fact, most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Myth #2: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals lead to other health issues. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment that is done under sterile conditions to prevent infection.
Myth #3: Root Canals Are Only for Older People
Root canal treatments are performed on patients of all ages. If the tooth is healthy enough to be saved, endodontic treatment can be used to preserve it, regardless of age.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
After your root canal procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or tenderness, especially if there was significant infection prior to treatment. This is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately.
Be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully, including:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown or permanent filling.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to keep the treated area clean and prevent any further infection.
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process is progressing as expected.
When Is Endodontic Treatment Necessary?
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups, as they can spot potential issues early on. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment for evaluation:
- Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, especially to heat or cold
- Swelling or tenderness around the gums
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Pimple-like bumps on the gums that drain pus (indicating infection)
Endodontics, specifically root canal treatment, is a safe and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth. By addressing the infection and restoring the tooth, endodontics helps you avoid tooth loss and maintain the function and aesthetics of your smile. If you’re experiencing dental pain or suspect an issue with your tooth’s pulp, don’t hesitate to consult with our Endodontist Mr Waplington. He can help determine the best treatment plan to get you back to optimal oral health.