Our dentists have extensive training and experience in endodontic therapy (commonly referred to as root filling) and can provide treatment in complex cases, such as the following:
- Difficulty in diagnosing the cause of tooth pain
- Problems anaesthetising a tooth for treatment
- Access problems (the tooth is too far back or the mouth opening is limited)
- Complicated root canal structure
- Excessive root curvature
- Root canals that can only be accessed through existing crowns or bridges
- Removal of certain root filling materials
During your consultation for endodontic treatment, your dentist will assess your tooth, take x-rays and provide you with procedure details and costs. When you are ready to proceed, your treatment will be scheduled.
What is a root canal filling?
A root canal filling allows us to retain your tooth even when the pulp has been severely compromised.
Dental pulp is a mixture of nerve fibres and tiny blood vessels that may become inflamed (causing a toothache) or die off (causing an abscess). This can happen due to the presence of tooth decay or after trauma to a tooth.
The aim of the procedure is to remove the damaged pulp painlessly – under local anaesthetic – and to remove any infection that may be present. Once the canals have been cleaned and shaped they are filled with a special filling material. Once the root canal filling is in place, the top of the tooth is restored with a filling, inlay or crown.