Root Canal Treatments

Endodontic treatment (commonly known as root canal treatment) restores and improves natural teeth where internal tooth damage has occurred. The process involves cleaning and sealing the internal structure of the tooth. Then a crown is fitted over the tooth to give it long term protection and to help strengthen the tooth. The process usually involves two to three appointments per tooth, but we will explain all of this and what is involved at your consultation.

At Smiles Unlimited, we put the most advanced technology into the hands of highly trained professionals, and ensure that you understand and are comfortable with the proposed treatment. So don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about your case, or our practice.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from the tooth, please make sure to advise our reception staff over the phone, as a consultation appointment only, will not provide sufficient time to commence treatment on the same day.

If the pulp/tooth or surrounding tissue has been severely damaged or inflamed due to deep decay, infection, a cracked or leaking restoration, or if you’ve suffered a dental accident/trauma you may require endodontic treatment which will remove the bacteria and irritants from the root canals allowing the surrounding tissue to heal itself and bring it back to normal function.

Endodontic treatment salvages your natural tooth, therefore if the treatment has been done to a high technical standard, the tooth properly restored, and good oral hygiene care and regular check-ups are maintained, there is a 95% chance that the tooth will be retained for many years and perhaps even a lifetime.

We take the greatest of care to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. Often, a local anaesthetic is administered so that the endodontic treatment can be carried out with no painful side effects. After your treatment, once the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort, but this can often be managed with over-the-counter pain-relief medications.

In the days following your treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive and unusual compared to the other teeth in your mouth. This sensitivity varies, depending on the severity and extent of your tooth damage prior to treatment. Should the sensitivity last more than a few days, or if it becomes extremely painful, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Most of our patients comment however, that any pain associated with treating the tooth or post surgery is no comparison to what they experienced when the tooth was infected/damaged.