Endodontics

Endodontics is more commonly known as Root Canal Treatment. Such treatment is carried out when the pulp (soft tissue inside a tooth) is either inflamed or dead. The pulp is a tissue made up of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels.

Why do I need Root Canal Treatment?

You may have pain and or swelling in the supporting tissues (abscess) or the tooth may remain symptom-free.

This is because the pulp may become inflamed or may die if either there is significant decay in a tooth, if there is a large restoration (filling or crown) or if the tooth has been subjected to trauma. When the pulp dies, the space it inhabits (the root canal) rapidly becomes infected with bacteria. If not treated promptly this infection can spread to your jaw bone.

The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove the inflamed tissue or bacteria inside the root canal and thus allow the surrounding tissues to heal.

Is there and alternative option?

An alternative option to root canal treatment is extraction of the tooth and replacement with a bridge, denture or implants, but a root canal will allow you to keep your tooth without the need for an extraction.

What can I expect during treatment?

If you're in need of a root canal treatment, this may be performed over two appointments. The process is as follows: 

• You'll receive a local anaesthetic throughout this process to ensure you're not in pain. 
• Rubber Dam will be placed to protect your root canal from bacteria present in your mouth.
• Your dentist will make a small hole in your tooth to obtain access to the nerve chamber. This will enable the area to be cleared of bacteria, as well as any dying tissue to be removed. 
• Once this cleaning has been performed, your dentist will fill the canal, ensuring it is protected from any further infections. 
• You might experience some discomfort once this has been completed, but following treatment the infection should begin to clear, leaving you free from pain.

Do I need to restore my tooth after Root Canal Treatment?

• Once the root canal is complete it is important to restore the rest of the tooth as soon as possible to ensure the treated tooth does not get re-infected with bacteria.

Why do I need an Endodontist? 

The root canal system, especially in molars, is often complex and difficult to clean well. This is why general dentists prefer to refer multirooted teeth to our endodontist who has the training, equipment and experience to deal with them well. Our endodontist will use a microscope to ensure all the canals are located. The treatment can be time consuming due to its’ complex nature. A consultation is required to assess what treatment is needed for each individual patient, and a written treatment plan with costs will be presented after the initial appointment.