Treatments > Root canal treatment

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (which is the nerve tissue in the centre of the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected.

The inflammation or the infection can have a number of causes including deep decay, repeated dental procedures, crack or chip in the tooth and trauma. If this is left untreated it can cause pain and lead to an abscess.

All dentists, including your general dentist, receive basic training in endodontic treatment in dental school. General dentists often refer patients needing endodontic treatment to specialist endodontists.

An endodonist is a dentist with specific training in diagnosing and treating problems associated with the inside of the tooth. They do only endodontic procedures in their practices. To become endodontists they complete dental school and an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including retreatment of previous root canals that have not healed completely, as well as endodontic surgery. Endodonists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

Our endodontist accepts referrals from local practitioners and in-house referrals. He will be able to locate clean and shape the infected area of the tooth using a special microscope and digital radiography. Specific specialized thermoplastic materials will than be used to complete and seal the tooth.

Afterwards you will be referred back to your own dentist who will provide you with a crown or another suitable restoration. This will protect your newly root treated tooth and bring it back to function.

For added comfort you can discuss having the treatment under sedation.

Who can perform Endodontic treatment ?

All dentists, including your general dentist, received training in this treatment whilst in dental school. However, general dentists often refer patients needing root canal treatment to an endodontists.
General Information

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment can involve two or more visits. The total time required for the procedure can be up to 2 hours.

A local anesthetic is used throughout the procedure, for the next 24 hours you may feel discomfort which can be relieved by a painkiller.

Endodontic treatment is usually less expensive than having the tooth extracted and a replacement bridge or implant being carried out. Modern techniques can increase success and comfort of Root Canal Treatment by 90%.

Your dentist will advice you if the tooth should be crowned to increase the longevity of the treatment.

For the patient educational video click here.root canal direct