When the dental decay spreads to the inner core of the tooth called the pulp, which is rich in blood and nerve supply, your dentist will clear the contents of the nerve canal to ensure you are free of pain.
This is filled with an inert material called root canal treatment. Most dentists are trained to do this using specific equipment. If the work is particularly complex, your dentist may refer you to a professional in root canal treatment, known as an endodontist.
Before having root canal treatment, your dentist may take a series of X-rays of the affected tooth.
Your dentist will place a rubber sheet (dam) around the tooth to ensure it is dry during treatment. The dam also prevents you from swallowing or breathing in any chemicals the dentist uses. Your dentist will open your tooth through the crown, the flat part at the top, to access the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth (pulp). They’ll then remove any infected pulp that remains. If you have a dental abscess, which is a pus-filled swelling, your dentist will be able to drain it at the same time.
After the pulp has been removed, your dentist will clean and enlarge the root canal so it can be easily filled. A temporary filling may be used to allow time for the infection to settle down. Some root canal treatments can be carried out in a single visit based on the degree of infection and how effectively the canals can be cleaned.
At the second visit, the temporary filling and medication within the tooth are removed and the root canal filling will be inserted. This, along with a filling, seals the tooth and prevents reinfection. Root-filled teeth are more likely to break than healthy unrestored teeth, so your dentist may suggest placing a crown on the tooth to protect it. In some cases, a root-filled tooth may darken, particularly if it has died as a result of an injury like a knock on the tooth. There are several ways your dentist can treat discolouration, such as whitening the tooth using chemicals.
If there’s only a small amount of tooth left after the root canal treatment, a post can be cemented in the root canal and used to help keep the crown in place. Root canal treatment is usually successful at saving the tooth and clearing the infection.
One review of several studies found that 90% of root-treated teeth survived for 8-10 years.
The study also found having a crown fitted to the tooth after root canal treatment was the most important factor in improving tooth survival rates. If an infection does return, the treatment can be repeated. Alternatively, if treatment has already been carried out to a high standard and the infection remains, a small operation to remove the root tip (an apicoectomy) may be carried out to treat the infection.
“I had two implants fitted by Dr Girish Bharadwaj and his friendly team. The procedure was straightforward and pain-free and I felt very relaxed throughout....”
“I am very pleased to endorse the implant treatment from Dr Girish and his team. The treatment, whilst lengthy, was meticulous, and the results have...”
“I am on my second visit to Dr Bharadwaj for dental implants. The first implant involved a difficult procedure, but Dr Bharadwaj explained everything fully...”
“An overall excellent experience. Each member of staff has been helpful and friendly. Particularly Dr Justyna Bogucka did an outstanding job and made me feel...”
Having had major issues with a past dentist I was extremely worried when it came to attending appointments. But after a referral from the wife (yes this time she was right), attending Ochilview has been great and nerves have been restored to trust again.Dr Girish Bharadwaj and the team are fantastic from actually dental surgery to customer service, I cannot fault and highly recommend.I have had a lot of restorative treatment and this also included trust, to which I have to say has been completely pain free.Thank you
Can't thank the team enough, I have a major fear of the dentist and they made sure every step of my procedure I was okay and kept me calm. They were top notch and very professional.
Came for a tooth to be removed, i was so nervous and very upset, the girls put me at easeI got sedated wow cant temember a thing!They said i was doing everthing the were ssking of me but i honestly thought i was sleepingId highly recommendThsnk you dentist yiyr all wonderful
Girish was very professional and gave clear explanations. I felt in good hands. The technology was amazing!My only small criticism was that I was unclear about the charging structure. Was the first consultation included in the total cost or in addition? I hadn't had costs explained to me. I should have asked.The surgery was easy to find. I travelled up from the Borders.
Went with my daughter aged 16 as she got wisdom teeth taken out. She was sedated got the 3 teeth out and I was allowed to be with her the whole time..Excellent communication and service throughout the whole process. Very greatful to the dentist and the nurses who treated my daughter.
Went with my daughter who has toothache because of her wisdom teeth are giving her a lot of bother coming in and ended up making an appointment for myself as I am needing work done. Great dental practice and loads of dentists work here. Nice and clean and a lot of refurbishment been done, looks great.
Excellent. Justyna has been my dentist for several years now, and I can't imagine going elsewhere, she does a very thorough dental exam and is extremely professional, and gentle.
Made feel very relaxed,check up xray and extraction all done and told me exactly what to expect.would defoe recommend to anyone with anxiety great friendly service from start to finish 👍
Dr Girish and his team are very caring.I have had my implants for a year and have not had any problems. Dr Girish would see you immediately if you needed his help and advice
Another good appointmentRicha is kind, patient & always takes the time to make sure I'm OK before she proceeds with anything, which as a very anxious patient is much appreciatedAlso must say a big thank you to dental nurse Jamie who is always so supportiveI doubt I'll ever enjoy going to the dentist but I dread it a little less with every positive appointment
I was so overwork up about my wisdom tooth extraction, I had not caught the names of the oral surgeon and dental nurse (apologies for that). I attended today to have my procedure. I was met with a very warm welcome. During my procedure I was very nervous both the surgeon and nurse helped me to get to more calm state. They were both professional and emotionally supportive.I thank them both for making it a very smooth experience although I added challenges due to my nerves!The oral surgeon had clear communication ,detailed all aspects of the procedure and outlined the risks and benefits. I asked that he talked me through with the steps mainly with the anaesthesia. Both himself and the dental nurse maintained communicating each step of the procedure. They were very patient and understanding.My previous experiences with dental care have not always been positive and I found it helpful having the questionnaire that even asked how I was feeling.If I lived in the area I would very happily seek to register with this dental practice.Upon exiting the surgery the receptionist asked me how I was and if I was ok. I cannot highlight enough how important this was. Although in a busy practice with her numerous receptionist duties, she made sure to ask if I was ok.I asked for a glass of water to take medicine which she very gladly got for me.I find it also important to highlight that I was not made to feel ‘different’ being an NHS patient who was exempt from fees.This practice values your time alongside their own and how this impacts the practice as a whole. Please do not attend with the impression that your dental care will always be a straight forward process. It puts unnecessary pressure onto the clinicians to meet contradictory expectations. Which more often than not comes from those who have not completed adequate qualifications in dental care.Thank you so very much and I hope you are given due recognition of all your efforts to everyone at this practice. Your great!!
I have been here a few times now, my dentist often refers me when it’s more difficult dental work needing doing.Dr. Girish is the best dentist I have had so far. He is quiet and unassuming and doesn’t go on and on making small talk like some dentists do. He gets the job in hand done quickly and professionally and explains throughout what is going to happen.The nurses are fab here too.I had an awful NHS hospital extraction last year which caused so many issues and infections. I was nervous the first time I attended here, but the extraction was over in less than five minutes, I was stitched up and offered antibiotics too. I have autism and I can struggle with new dentists and had to travel a bit to get to Armadale but these guys were fantastic and so worth the private treatment prices. Very professional about my epilepsy too.The nurses also make me feel at ease with humour, smiles and cleaning my mouth at the end of the blood and he was super kind. Would love this feedback to get back to them.Only thing (and reason this is a four star review) is thatI would suggest if you are having to leave valuables outside the room as I did, is putting them in a lockable place. I didn’t feel super happy leaving my wallet and phone outside a closed door.The entrance was small but has since been refurbished and is now disability friendly with ramps in the waiting room. The toilet is a disabled size one and large enough to take a wheelchair. The corridors are still quite narrow towards the dental rooms.Edit 28/05/24I was back here today for another wisdom extraction. I had the same dentist (Dr. Girish) who was kind and very professional again, answered any questions and took out my tooth which my own dentist in Livingston refused to do with accuracy in a very short space of time. I am autistic and while they don’t claim to specialise in autistic patients, I was put at ease.Dr Girish is quiet but very polite and doesn’t waste time with small talk while the customer is in pain like some dentists do (a good thing!), instead he concentrates on the job in hand. However, he is more than happy to answer any questions and go through what he plans to do before he does it. He also rechecks your medical history with care to ensure it’s updated. He is the best dentist I’ve been with at his job and I would recommend asking for him specifically for complicated extractions like mine.Many dentists have tried and failed to remove my teeth and and should I need another tooth out (I hope that won’t happen), I would come here again despite it being quite a journey from where I live. The nurse was lovely too, I didn’t catch her name. The receptionist was kind, showed me to the toilet and let me sit in the reception after my extraction to wait for my taxi as it was raining outside.One small suggestion is, the dental chairs aren’t hugely as comfy/ cushioned as the ones at my regular dentist and the sides dug into my hips a bit (though I am plus size so have wider hips) maybe worth looking at.Again, items like phones and coats and wallets are to be left outside as it’s quite a small dentist room (not enough room to bring a guest in with you likely) and although I’ve been told it’s a safe area I feel uneasy that goods can’t be locked away.Four stars.
Have only recently joined this dentist first visit today. Staff were friendly and although I was nervous it was fine. Hopefully it will continue to be 😃
Generally a decent company. Justyna is my Dentist and she is excellent. Always let's you know what's happening and her assistant is lovely. I would recommend them, they do good work.
New patient, moving over from a local NHS dental practice. Really impressed with friendliness and professionalism of all staff. Had the first thorough check-up for sometime, which was greatly appreciated. The practice is well maintained, modern and welcoming. Think I've made the right decision in moving.
Seems strange writing a positive review for a dentist as a very anxious and nervous patient but all the staff at Ochilview made the experience a pleasant and comfortable experience as possible.A modern and clean environment, pleasant and friendly staff and a thorough and professional service, thank you to all!
I don’t remember the name but the male dental nurse/dentist was so lovely. Totally made me feel at ease. The head male dentist of the practice was so professional too, did an amazing job. I had a awful NHS hospital extraction last year which caused so many issues and infections. I was nervous the other day, but the extraction was over in less than five minutes, I was stitched up and offered antibiotics too. I have autism and I can struggle with new dentists and had to travel a bit to get to Armadale but these guys were fantastic and so worth the private treatment prices. Very professional about my epilepsy too.The nurse especially made me feel at ease with humour, smiles and cleaning my mouth at the end of the blood and he was super kind. Would love this feedback to get back to him.Only thing (and reason this is a four star review) is thatI would suggest if you are having to leave valuables outside the room as I did, is putting them in a lockable place. I didn’t feel super happy leaving my wallet and phone outside a closed door.Bigger waiting area space would be good too, waiting area isn’t suitable for the disabled.Edit 28/05/24I was back here today for another wisdom extraction. I had the same dentist (Dr. Girish) who was kind and very professional again, answered any questions and took out my tooth which my own dentist in Livingston refused to do with accuracy in a very short space of time. I am autistic and while they don’t claim to specialise in autistic patients, I was put at ease.Dr Girish is quiet but very polite and doesn’t waste time with small talk while the customer is in pain like some dentists do (a good thing!), instead he concentrates on the job in hand. However, he is more than happy to answer any questions and go through what he plans to do before he does it. He also rechecks your medical history with care to ensure it’s updated. He is the best dentist I’ve been with at his job and I would recommend asking for him specifically for complicated extractions like mine.Many dentists have tried and failed to remove my teeth and and should I need another tooth out (I hope that won’t happen), I would come here again despite it being quite a journey from where I live. The nurse was lovely too, I didn’t catch her name. The receptionist was kind, showed me to the toilet and let me sit in the reception after my extraction to wait for my taxi as it was raining outside.The reply to my previous review is correct, they have done up the reception area and it’s lovely.One small suggestion is, the dental chairs aren’t hugely as comfy/ cushioned as the ones at my regular dentist and the sides dug into my hips a bit (though I am plus size so have wider hips) maybe worth looking at.Again, items like phones and coats and wallets are to be left outside as it’s quite a small dentist room (not enough room to bring a guest in with you likely) and although I’ve been told it’s a safe area I feel uneasy that goods can’t be locked away.Four stars.
My first time in Ochilview Dental and Oral Surgery. Staff were very good & very approachable. Dentist explained my treatment very well. I'm all set with the appointments I need. Would definitely recommend this place. They welcome N.H.S. & private patients.
Always a good experience, I feel very confident with treatment for both myselfandmygrandchildren. Shibil explains things clearly and is happy to answer any questions
Seen on time by fantastic hygienist CharleneWonderful hygienist takes her time dealing with cleaning excellent results would happily recommend a visit.The dentists are also excellent Girish especially, great surgeon.
I went for a check up and although I'm very nervous they explained everything and I need 1 tooth out and a lot offillings. I can wear wear my earphones to relax.so grateful for taking time to explain thing's thank you
I don’t remember the name but the male dental nurse/dentist was so lovely. Totally made me feel at ease. The head male dentist of the practice was so professional too, did an amazing job. I had a awful NHS hospital extraction last year which caused so many issues and infections. I was nervous the other day, but the extraction was over in less than five minutes, I was stitched up and offered antibiotics too. I have autism and I can struggle with new dentists and had to travel a bit to get to Armadale but these guys were fantastic and so worth the private treatment prices. Very professional about my epilepsy too.The nurse especially made me feel at ease with humour, smiles and cleaning my mouth at the end of the blood and he was super kind. Would love this feedback to get back to him.Only thing (and reason this is a four star review) is thatI would suggest if you are having to leave valuables outside the room as I did, is putting them in a lockable place. I didn’t feel super happy leaving my wallet and phone outside a closed door.Bigger waiting area space would be good too, waiting area isn’t suitable for the disabled.
Just started going to Shibil and he's a very patient, friendly and competent dentist who made me feel at ease. Also major shoutout to the male dental nurse who is always so friendly and chatty. He was brilliant with my 6yr old and then when I went for a follow up appointment without her, asked how she was. Great personal service
Being the forgetful person I am, I have no idea who actually treated me but they were excellent, put me at ease and explained each part of the treatment. I doubt anyone comes away from the dentist thinking "well that was fun" but the most recent visits were at least not thoroughly unpleasant.
Dentist Justyna was fantastic, very polite full, understanding and helpful.Fantastic and very friendly service at reception too.All staff is smiling and welcoming.5*+ customer service.
Appointment with Shibil today following emergency surgery at another hospital where I suffered a failed extraction. Was a difficult problem presented to him but he sorted it out for me same day, honest from the start and top notch work. Very happy!
The reception staff were very polite, patient and helpful. The dentist was very reassuring and explained everything to do with treatment in straightforward terms.
Dentist Justyna was fantastic, very polite full, understanding and helpful.Fantastic and very friendly service at reception too.All staff is smiling and welcoming.5*+ customer service.
My daughter had to get a second wisdom tooth out that was coming in sideways and we didn’t hesitate to go back to Ochilview and have Girish take it out, what a lovely man. She is a very nervous patient and they were so nice. Mark the anaesthetist is just so nice and there was no hurry to get you out the door once in the recovery room.Thank you all again for looking after her so well.
Can’t recommend this practice enough! Always go above & beyond to make sure you are at ease during your appointment. The staff are so lovely & welcoming and I always enjoy coming to the practice when I need to. Every procedure I’ve had done, the staff have took their time to go over every detail and make sure I’m happy before going ahead with anything! Definitely would recommend this practice to everyone. 5 stars all round 🥰
An overall excellent experience. Each member of staff has been helpful and friendly. Particularly Dr Justyna Bogucka did an outstanding job and made me feel at ease at all time. Highly recommend. *crunch crunch*
Well , i am very happy with the service at Ochilview. The team are totally friendly and especialy to my Dentist - Justyna. I have to say she is the best Dentist i have had because, not only is she very friendly, you ca tell she does a thorough job, she actually goes out her way to advise about your dental situation and explains it very well and thus makes you feel an important customer. Thanks for your time to answer my questions in your tight schedule. Bravo!Very professional and look forward to being back soon! can't beleive i said that.
Excellent professional service.Everything explained fully by Girish.Pros and cons!!!! Highly recommend this dentist to everyone.Extremely pleased with result Thank-you Girish and all his wonderful staff
Excellent professional dentist practice. Lovely, helpful & friendly team. Louise has endless patience and I have full confidence in her. I would recommend her to anyone, but especially to nervous patients, like me.
3-4 Ochilview Square, Armadale, EH48 3EP 
