Root Canal Treatment

The common misconception regarding root canal therapy is that it is a painful procedure; however, the main objective of root canal therapy is to relieve pain caused by an infected root and nerve tissue and save your natural tooth from extraction. The thought of root canal therapy causes many patients to delay their treatment, but the longer you wait the more severe the pain and extensive the infection will become.

The introduction of new dental techniques and the development of fine instruments mean root canal therapy can be completed with little to no discomfort, and in as few as two appointments.

If treatment is required as a result of extensive tooth decay, it is treated and removed before an access hole is gently made in the top of your crown. With clinical precision, the infected pulp removed, the root chambers are cleaned and sterilised, and each root chamber is re-shaped and made smooth.

Miniature cone shaped rubber seals called "gutta-percha" are placed inside the root chambers, and these are used to prevent any further infection.

Depending on the extent of the infection that has caused the need for treatment, antibiotics or some other medication may be placed for bacterial infection, prior to sealing your tooth chamber.

After your tooth has been sealed, it is restored with a porcelain crown giving it a natural appearance and strength. In the event that much of the tooth structure has been extensively damaged through decay, a titanium post or fibrepost might be placed to provide additional support.

For several days following your treatment, you may experience some post-treatment swelling and a slight dull ache. Over-the-counter pain relief medication will help to alleviate the discomfort.

Over 95% of root canal treatments are successful; however, there are rare occasions when the procedure will need to be redone due to further infection. The earlier your treatment is performed the less likely this will be required.