Information for referring dentists
Refer for the assessment and treatment of a specific tooth or problem. Include the tooth, your findings and any radiographs.
Root canal treatment removes infection from inside a tooth so you can keep it, provided by Dr Sameer Lakho through SL Endodontics, practice limited to endodontics.
Referred by your dentist?
Following endodontic treatment, referred patients return to their own dentist for their final filling or crown and ongoing care. We send a treatment report and discuss any additional treatment needs with the referring dentist and patient before arranging further care.
Why root canal treatment is needed
When decay or a leaking filling lets bacteria reach the nerve inside a tooth, it can cause pain and infection. Root canal treatment stops the bacteria spreading: the root canals are cleaned, filled and sealed, then the tooth is protected with a filling or crown. For referred patients, this final restoration is normally provided by their own dentist.
How we treat it
Dr Lakho uses digital imaging, an operating microscope and ultrasonic instruments for accurate, minimally invasive care, and takes time to explain each step so you feel at ease.
- First-time root canal treatment
- Re-treatment of an earlier root filling
- Apicectomy and endodontic microsurgery
- Advice on the best option for the tooth
What to expect
- DiagnosisWe examine the tooth and take X-rays to understand the problem, then explain your options.
- Cleaning the canalsUnder local anaesthetic, the infected nerve and bacteria are removed and the root canals carefully cleaned.
- Filling and sealingThe canals are filled and the tooth is sealed to stop bacteria getting back in.
- Protecting the toothThe tooth is then restored with a filling or a crown; a crown is often advised to prevent it fracturing. If your dentist referred you, your own dentist normally provides this restoration, and we send them a treatment report.
Questions patients ask
Who carries out root canal treatment?
Dr Sameer Lakho, through SL Endodontics, based within Leeson Dental Clinic. His practice is limited to endodontics and he holds an MSc in Endodontics from Queen Mary University of London.
Can a tooth be treated again if an earlier root filling has failed?
Often, yes. Re-treatment of an earlier root filling is one of the procedures Dr Lakho provides.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Often. A crown strengthens the tooth and helps prevent it fracturing. If you were referred, your own dentist normally provides the crown.
Do you accept referrals from other dentists?
Yes. Endodontic referrals are managed through SL Endodontics. Following endodontic treatment, referred patients return to their own dentist for their final filling or crown and ongoing care. We send a treatment report and discuss any additional treatment needs with the referring dentist and patient before arranging further care.
For referring dentists
After endodontic treatment.
Endodontic referrals are managed through SL Endodontics, based within Leeson Dental Clinic.
What happens after treatment
We send you a clinical report. Your patient returns to you for the final filling or crown and ongoing care.
Aftercare
Some tenderness for a few days is normal. Avoid biting hard on the tooth until the final restoration is placed, and call us if swelling or pain gets worse.
