Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is used to save a tooth with an infected or dead pulp and prevent the infection from spreading. Pulp exists inside each tooth, providing the tooth with nerves and nutrients. The pulp tissue can sometimes die if it is damaged or diseased. A root canal saves the affected tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the canal. Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is cleaned and sealed for protection. A crown is then placed over the tooth to increase its strength.

Symptoms of Pulp Damage?

The most common symptoms of an injured or damaged pulp:

• Pain when biting down and chewing
• Oversensitivity of teeth with hot or cold food or beverages
• Facial swelling.

Your tooth cannot heal by itself. If left untreated, the infection could lead to:

• An abscess forming at the root of the tooth
• Deterioration of the underlying bone tissue
• Severe pain.

Delaying treatment for too long can make it impossible for your dentist to save your tooth.

The infection can also spread to neighbouring teeth, potentially leading to:

• Illness
• Blood poisoning
• Fevers
• Swelling in the face and neck.

Do I Need an Endodontist for Root Canal Treatment?

Endodontistry is a specialisation in root canal treatment; however, all dentists are capable of performing this treatment. In special circumstances with difficult dental presentations you will need to be referred to a specialist Endodontist.

Root Canal  Procedure

• Your first appointment will consist of an x-ray. This will confirm which tooth is infected, and determine whether there is an infection forming at the tip of your tooth’s root. If you require a root canal treatment, then you will most likely two to three 1.5-hour appointments.
• During your root canal treatment, we will use fine files to shape and clean the canals of your tooth. This removes any of the remaining infected pulp. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicines are then put inside the canal to stop the infection and inflammation. This process may need to be repeated over two to three visits. X-rays throughout your treatment plan will confirm the length of your canals and that all of the infection has reduced and begun to heal.
• On your final visit, to protect the inside of your tooth and prevent any further infection, we’ll pack your canal with gutta-percha (a natural product made from sterilised tree sap). Your tooth will then have a temporary filling placed on top and left for a few weeks to completely settle and heal.
• Once we confirm that you have no further problems with your tooth we will either suggest a basic filling, a crown, or an inlay to complete your treatment.

Root Canal Price:

$1,500 to $2,500 (incisors, pre-molars and molars are uniquely priced depending on the number of canals in your tooth)