Patient Care
Getting the care you need
Patient Safety
The welfare of our patients is of paramount importance. There are many ways in which you can be reassured your interests are protected, whether through our own policies or those of the bodies which regulate dentistry and dental practices. All the staff here are registered with the General Dental Council either as a specialist in Endodontics or a dental care professional. We are also registered with the Care Quality Commission. Our Certificate of Registration can be viewed here.
Our investment in state-of-the-art technology has changed the way we operate and as a result previously irredeemable cases can now be completed with a high degree of predictability and success. Digital imaging reduces radiation exposure by up to 70% over conventional film based techniques and we get instant X-ray images. We meet the sterilisation and cross infection control standards as set out in HTM 01-05, the Department of Health’s guidelines.
Patients questions
What are the signs of a root canal problem?
Initially the symptoms can be mild, such as sensitivity to hot or cold, or both, or possibly discomfort when you bite. We recommend that if you have toothache or any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist for an x-ray and diagnosis. Doing nothing should not be an option.
I have toothache, what should I do?
You should make sure you see a dentist as soon as possible as you may need root canal treatment. If you have a complex problem, your dentist will most probably refer you to a specialist practice like the Harley Street Centre for Endodontics so your tooth can be saved. You may be given antibiotics and painkillers which will also reduce any infection and swelling. Opening up your tooth, removing the inflammed or infected pulp will quickly get rid of the problem
To find out why to see a specialist?
www.savingteeth.co.uk
Will the treatment hurt?
With modern anaesthetic techniques there will be no pain. We will numb the part of the mouth which is being treated. That feeling of numbness usually subsides an hour or so after the end of your treatment.
For more about treatment:
www.savingteeth.co.uk
How will I feel afterwards?
Your jaw may feel a little sore or the tooth may feel tender as the anaesthetic wears off. If necessary we will recommend over the counter medications. As for the tooth, you should soon enjoy the benefit of having a tooth which feels healthy again!
How do I prepare for treatment?
We recommend that you eat well before you come in for your appointment as your mouth may be quite numb for an hour or so after the root canal treatment.
I am very nervous about treatment, how can you help?
We offer a sedation service for patients who find treatment difficult to cope with. If necessary, we can organise for a visiting anaesthetist to come to the practice. You will need to organise for someone to accompany you home afterwards. Where possible, we recommend conscious sedation.
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is the safe and effective administration of drugs that safely relieve anxiety, increase relaxation, make the patient comfortable and reduce pain. Many procedures can be performed safely, efficiently and cost effectively using conscious sedation.
Goals of conscious sedation and analgesia:
- Maximise the patient’s safety
- Minimise discomfort and anxiety
- Maximise success of the procedure
- Minimise recovery time
Benefits of sedation:
- Comfortable, practical and convenient for the patient and the surgeon
- Safe due to lower levels of medication administered
- Time saving due to the quick recovery and no need for hospital admission
- Economical since no hospital stay, less side effects, and minimal time off work
- Recovery after sedation is much faster than with general anaesthesia
Conscious sedation is probably the fastest growing area in anaesthesia care, and has become a very effective viable alternative to general anaesthesia for many surgical procedures. The patient will come in on the day of surgery and leave the same day usually within one hour after the operation. In addition, there is a significantly lower incidence of side effects with conscious sedation and the costs for conscious sedation are much lower than general anaesthesia.
Patient satisfaction is very high after conscious sedation – a recent survey of the experiences and satisfaction of patients show that 99.5% of patients would have sedation again. Conscious sedation is achieved with intravenous agents ( e.g. benzodiazepines, opiates, other sedative/anaesthetics) usually administered into a vein.
More information is available at http://www.sedationsolutions.co.uk/
Becoming a patient with us
Whether you are contacting us directly or through a referral from your dentist, call us on 020 7935 6393 to make your appointment for a consultation and treatment.
We will take your details and short medical history when you first visit us and then take time to explain the procedure and treatment to you.
Root Canal treatment at our clinic in Central London can be performed painlessly, rapidly and efficiently and will save your tooth. We pretty much guarantee that your treatment with us will be painless. All cases are completed under local anaesthesia.
For nervous patients, we can arrange for the endodontics to be completed under sedation. Any minor discomfort pain after root canal treatment can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
With modern anaesthetic techniques, there will be no pain. We will numb the part of the mouth which is being treated. That feeling of numbness usually subsides an hour or so after the end of your treatment.
If you’re concerned about pain in your tooth, whether it’s been going on for some time or has come along suddenly – then please reach out to our team to book an appointment. We will assess your teeth and treat you as soon as possible to help relieve you of any pain whilst preserving your natural tooth.