Utilizing the latest technology from digital X-rays to rotary for root canal therapy, all material and equipment is the of the highest industry standard.

Root canal or endodontic treatment is a process whereby inflamed or dead pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth, enabling a tooth that was causing pain to be retained.

Dental pulp is the soft tissue in the canal that runs through the centre of a tooth. Once a tooth is fully formed it can function normally without its pulp and be kept indefinitely.

After removing the pulp, the root canals are cleaned, sterilised and shaped to a form that can be completely sealed with a filling material to prevent further infection. The treatment can take several appointments, depending on how complex the tooth is, and how long the infection takes to clear.

Subsequently a crown or complex restoration to restore or protect the tooth may be a necessary recommendation, as a tooth after undergoing treatment may be more likely to fracture.

Symptoms of tooth pulp damage or disease

A diseased tooth pulp may cause inflammation or infection. The symptoms of a damaged or diseased tooth pulp may include:

• Unprovoked or spontaneous pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Loosening of the tooth
• Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
• Oozing of pus surrounding the affected tooth
• Facial swelling

Sometimes, tooth pulp may become damaged or diseased without presenting any symptoms. In these cases, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or x-rays during a dental check-up or treatment for other dental concerns.

Cosmetic issues after root canal treatment

A normal tooth with a healthy pulp is yellowish-white in colour. A pulp-free tooth may eventually turn grey. The dentist can advise you on appropriate aesthetic (cosmetic dentistry) procedures.

Things to remember

• Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to replace a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling.
• The vast majority of people who undergo root canal treatment can expect a functional tooth after the treatment.
• The treated tooth should last as long as your other teeth, provided the tooth is kept clean and that you maintain excellent oral hygiene.