Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that has been badly damaged by decay, trauma or disease. The nerve and blood vessels inside the tooth were required when the tooth was forming but serve limited functions once the tooth is fully formed. The aim of root canal treatment is to remove microorganisms and dead nerve tissues in order to seal the canals and prevent reinfection, this is usually done over several visits-

Emergency Visit/Stage One
If you present with a toothache or swelling, we will perform an emergency visit where the tooth will be anaesthetised, the damaged nerve removed, a sedative dressing placed inside the tooth. A temporary filling is used to protect the tooth.

Stage Two
Using small files each root canal is cleaned, enlarged, and shaped. The canals are disinfected, and an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medicine is placed inside the tooth to stop inflammation and infection.

Stage Three
The final visit involves sealing the canals with a rubber cone and an antimicrobial sealer, to prevent bacteria re-entering the root canal system.

With the advent of newer anaesthetics, root canal procedures are now painless for the majority of patients. A rubber sheet or dam is placed over the tooth in order to prevent bacteria in the mouth from reinfecting the tooth and to prevent any objects or material from reaching the back of the throat.  The complexity of a root canal depends on a number of things including the number of roots and how curved they are. Expect most appointments to last just under 60 minutes.  In certain complex cases we may refer you to an Endodontist who has done further study and specialised in root canal treatment

Generally a root filled will require a crown to prevent the tooth from further damage and provides the ideal seal, but this depends on the amount of tooth structure remaining and the bite pressure it is subjected to. 

If you have a tooth that is bothering you, it is important to see us as soon as you can.  The sooner treatment is commenced the greater the success. Left untreated, a damaged or infected tooth can cause a number of serious health issues and may eventually lead to tooth loss.

The treated tooth should last as long as your other teeth provided you maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist for routine check-ups.