Endodontics
Save your tooth. Relieve the pain.
Root canal treatment removes infected tissue from inside a tooth, relieves pain, and allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than losing it to extraction. Modern techniques make it far more comfortable than its reputation suggests.
What is root canal treatment?
Saving the tooth from the inside
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria enter the pulp — through a deep cavity, a crack or trauma — infection develops. This causes pain, sensitivity and, if untreated, abscess formation and bone loss.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and fills them with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored — usually with a crown — and can function normally for many years.
For complex cases, we have Dr Neeta Eipe — an MSc-qualified endodontist with specialist training in root canal treatment — available at the practice.
The process
Diagnosis
X-rays and clinical examination confirm the extent of the infection and the anatomy of the root canals.
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic is administered. You will feel no pain during the procedure.
Access and cleaning
A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth. The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped using fine instruments.
Filling the canals
The cleaned canals are filled with gutta-percha — a biocompatible rubber material — and sealed.
Restoration
A crown is fitted at a subsequent appointment to protect the tooth and restore its full function.
Common questions