1. What Is Root Canal Treatment?

– A way to save your tooth.

Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is the only means of saving a tooth in which the nerves and blood vessels within the tooth have been damaged or have died. The damage may have been caused by deep decay, a crack or trauma. If the tooth is not treated an abscess or infection may ensue, which can be painful and debilitating.

2 Why has your dentist referred you to an Endodontist?

– To give you the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment and therefore the best chance of keeping your tooth. Root canal treatment (and especially re-treatment) can be a complex and demanding procedure. Your dentist has decided that it is in your best interest to have your endodontic treatment carried out by an endodontist who has the particular expertise and equipment to carry out these procedures.

3 How Is the Treatment caried out?

– By cleaning the tooth from the inside.

The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria and the infected contents of the root canals and to disinfect the inside of the tooth. Once this has been completed and the tooth is free of infection, the root canals are filled and a temporary dressing is placed over the root fillings. Your dentist then completes the restoration of the tooth.

4 What If the treatment is not carried out?

– You may risk losing the tooth and have more discomfort.

If root treatment is not done, then the tooth has to be extracted. Even though you may not have any symptoms at the time, failure to eradicate infection may lead to sudden formation of a painful abscess and/or spread of the infection which may be more difficult to treat and take longer to heal.

5 What are the alternative treatments?

– Careful assessment is required.

It may better for you to have the tooth extracted and possibly replaced with either an implant or a bridge. The decision is not always clear cut and may depend on a number of factors – clinical, financial and emotive.

6 Is treatment Painful?

– No, because local anesthetic is used.

Local anesthetic is used at every stage of the procedure to ensure your comfort. Following treatment, the tooth may feel a little tender for a few days, but this can be normally controlled with the some medication. You will be advised of the need for medication at the end of the appointment. If you have any anxiety about treatment, please share this with us so that we can provide the best solution. If you need to have treatment carried out under intravenous (i.v) sedation this can be arranged with the help of a medical anaesthetist who specializes in dental sedation.

7 How Long does treatment take?

– This will vary from case to case.

This will depend on the complexity of the root canals and any problems that are encountered. To achieve success it is important that the procedure is not rushed. A one, to one and a half hour appointment is usually required on the first visit; further time required can be gauged at the end of this appointment. Often it is possible to complete treatment in one visit. Re-treatment cases usually take a little longer than first time treatments. It may be necessary to follow up on the treatment on a regular basis to monitor healing.

8 What is the likelihood of success?

– Root canal treatment and re-treatment have a success rate in excess of 95%.

With the use of a high-powered operating microscope and other modern techniques, our treatments are very predictable. It should however be remembered that it is impossible to guarantee the success of any medical procedure. Even with the best treatment, healing may not occur due to circumstances beyond the control of the dentist. Should this occur, further steps may be required to eradicate the infection.

9 What happens after root canal treatment?

– You will usually need a crown on the treated tooth It is essential that you return to your dentist so that the tooth can be properly restored. You may need to have a crown fitted on a back tooth to prevent fracture. Until it is fitted you should take care not to bite too hard on the tooth.

10 Do I need referral from a general dentist?

– No, you can contact us independently.

You do not need to be referred by your dentist and if you would like a second opinion, then we are happy to provide one. You will probably need a consultation appointment first, but we can discuss this with you when you call. If you have any questions please feel free to email the practice and we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible.