Root Canal Treatment

Whether it’s a deep cavity, a large filling or a crack – the pulp or nerve of your tooth may reach the point of no return and become irritated. This usually causes increasing pain, eventually leading to a dental abscess that can then spread through your jaw bone. Root canal therapy can save a tooth that has become severely infected or decayed, allowing you to continue to maintain and use your own natural tooth. It is often a better alternative than removing and replacing the tooth artificially, which often requires more maintenance and will never feel the same as a natural tooth. When diagnosis indicates the need for a root canal treatment, our first priority is our patients’ peace of mind.

Signs and Symptoms You May Need a Root Canal:

Spontaneous pain even when you’re not eating or drinking
Pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night
Toothache that worsens when pressure is applied or when eating
Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
Recurring swelling of the gums
Extreme sensitivity to cold or heat, especially if it lingers more than 5 mins

What to Expect

2 Appointments (60-90 mins each)

Appointment 1 – You will be numbed up using our super gentle digitally-controlled local anaesthetic delivery system. It’s no different to having a routine filling! We will make a small hole in the tooth to access the infected tissue inside, clean it out and place an antibacterial dressing. A temporary sealant is then placed to stay in place until the next visit.

Appointment 2 – usually 2-3 weeks later

Final cleaning of the inside of the tooth is completed and it is sealed up. If the tooth is relatively intact, we will usually place a permanent filling the same day and complete treatment. Often teeth that need root canal therapy are already severely broken down so a porcelain crown is recommended to protect the top of the tooth and keep the root canal treatment sealed. This may require a separate appointment.

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After the first appointment, most patients experience significant relief from pain and discomfort, and with proper care, the tooth can function normally for many years. Root canal therapy is a safe and reliable way to preserve your natural teeth and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

FAQs

Is root canal treatment painful?

You will not feel any pain during your root canal procedure because of the local anaesthesia we use. Removal of the infection will diminish the pain you felt before your treatment.

I know someone who had a root canal treatment and their tooth had to be removed.

If the tooth was left unprotected and without a crown or if it was so severely broken down, a crown was not possible, the tooth has a risk of breaking even with the best root canal treatment. This will then leave no alternative but to remove the tooth and is the most common cause of a root canal failing – but it was never the fault of the root canal treatment!

How long does a root canal treatment last?

All treatments carry a small risk of failing but if the root canal treatment has been successful at treating the original infection, you should have your natural tooth for at least 10-15 years, if not longer!

Do I need a root canal if my tooth doesn't hurt?

A tooth that is infected cannot heal itself. The infected area inside the tooth will worsen if not treated and infection can spread. Even without pain, you should still receive dental treatment for an infected tooth.

We care about your teeth, but we care more about you.

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