What is endodontics?

Endodontics is the diagnosis and treatment of pain relating to teeth. It's a specialist area of dentistry and in general terms, it involves either root canal treatment or apical surgery.

Give your tooth a second chance with root canal treatment

Has your dentist recommended you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you're not alone. Millions of teeth are saved each year by endodontic (root canal) treatment. This will permanently solve your toothache,and save your smile.

How does endodontic treatment save a tooth?

An endodontist removes the diseased pulp (nerve) tissue throughout the inside of the tooth roots, then carefully shapes and seals the root canal space. Afterward, you return to your own dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to restore it to full function and appearance.

How is root canal treatment different with an endodontist compared to a general dentist?

Routine root canal treatments may be performed by a general dentist. However, the success rate may be much higher for an endodontist, because of their enhanced training and skills in this field. This is particularly likely in more complex cases where the root anatomy or access to the tooth is difficult, or where previous root canal treatment has failed. Re-do treatment involves more complex procedures and is usually carried out by an endodontist.

Furthermore, root canal treatments by an endodontist are more precise and require less tooth structure to be removed, with the use of very high magnification provided by an operating microscope.

Introducing Dr Sarfaraaz Zahid BDS, MFDS RCS (Edin), MSc (Endo)

The Priestgate Clinic is delighted to have Dr Sarfaraaz Zahid with his special interest in Endodontics. Sarfaraaz qualified at the University of Liverpool in 2011, then obtained a Master’s degree in Endodontics with distinction from the University of London. He's currently completing part-time specialist training at King’s College London, leading to full specialist membership at the Royal College of Surgeons. He focuses on endodontic treatments following referral from dental colleagues.