Endodontic treatment is a safe procedure.  There is no real substitute for your own tooth.  It is far more efficient in chewing and biting than an artificial tooth.  Endodontic treatment is undertaken to save your tooth.

The only alternative method of removing the infection is to extract your tooth.  If you dont have the tooth replaced with an artificial one, the adjoining teeth may shift, interfering with biting and chewing.  Loss of a tooth may also lead to other complex problems including gum disease, decay of other teeth, jaw joint and jaw muscle problems.

Replacing your tooth with an artificial tooth often involves more complex treatment such as bridgework or implants.

We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is not uncomfortable or painful.

Endodontic treatment is a comfortable procedure and it involves little or no pain, as the tooth will be anaesthetised with local anaesthetic to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness lasts 2-3 hours. However, sometimes you may experience discomfort after an appointment. This may be due to inflammation in the tissues surrounding the tooth. Inflammation may take a few days to settle down and mild analgesics may be required. If you experience severe pain, or if your discomfort lasts for more than several days, you should contact our Practice for advice.

It is necessary to take a number of radiographs (x-rays) during treatment.  These are required to check various treatment stages.  Since the roots are under the gum and in bone, the root canals cant be seen with the naked eye and can only be visualised with the assistnace of radiographs.  Our Practice uses advanced digital radiography that produces radiation levels much lower than those of already low dose dental x-ray machinery.

Yes.  You will need to schedule a crown appointment with your general dentist usually 2 months after the root canal procedure.  The further back a tooth is in the mouth, the more urgent the crown is to prevent a fracture of the tooth.  Some front teeth especially lower incisors do not need a crown after root canal treatment.  There is not need to be alarmed.  Your endodontist will go through thoroughly everything that is required once your treatment is complete.  We will also send your general dentist a report explaining your treatment and what is now required.  

Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office between 6 months to 1 year after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.