Root canal

The root canal system runs from the crown of the tooth to the end of the roots and contains the dental pulp. If the pulp becomes infected, having a root canal filling is a way of saving the tooth.

At the centre of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anaesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required.

Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavourable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

We use local anaesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide oral sedation if indicated. You will not be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

Before the procedure our dentists may need to take a series of X-rays of the infected tooth. This allows them to assess the infected area better.

During the course of a root canal treatment, the dentist will clean out the infection, fill the roots with an immoveable dental material and will then provide protection for the tooth in the form of a dental crown or filling. A root canal filling is generally performed under local anaesthetics to ensure the patient’s comfort. The entire procedure is often carried out over the course of two or more appointments.