Root Canal Therapy
When decay or damage reaches the nerve inside a tooth, root canal treatment cleans out the infection so you can keep your own tooth.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
When it's needed
Root canal treatment is usually needed when a large cavity, crack or injury lets bacteria reach the nerve chamber (pulp) of the tooth. Signs include lingering toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling — though sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
What happens
- We numb the tooth first
- Make a small opening to reach the nerve chamber
- Remove the infected or damaged nerve tissue and clean the canals
- Fill and seal the canals to help stop re-infection
Treatment is usually spread over two or three appointments. Afterwards we often recommend a crown, as root-filled teeth can become brittle and more likely to crack.
Your other options
The alternative is to remove the tooth, then replace it with a denture, bridge or implant. We'll go through the pros, cons and costs of each so you can decide.
Common questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
Why not just take the tooth out?
Related treatments
Ready to book?
Book online whenever it suits you, or give us a call and we'll find a time together.