Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre

Endodontics

Endodontic

General dentists can perform endodontic procedures (root canal treatment) but they often refer patients to an Endodontist, i.e. Peter Davis.

Peter specialises in root canal treatment and saving teeth. He performs routine as well as complex procedures including root canal treatment, root canal re-treatment and apical microsurgery (also known as apicectomy). Peter works under a microscope and also rubber dam which allows for isolation of the tooth being treated to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Endodontists are also experts in local anaesthesia, ensuring that patients are completely numb and comfortable during their treatment. There are often lots of horror stories about root canal treatment, but you can be assured you are in the best hands!
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. If this is left untreated it can cause pain or lead to an abscess and eventual tooth loss. The cause of inflammation or infection can vary; decay, repeated treatment on the tooth, a crack in the tooth or deep restorations.

Signs and symptoms of pulp damage can include pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discolouration, tenderness and/or swelling of the gum.

The Endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals and then fills and seals them. It is often required for you to return to your general dentist after treatment to have a crown or onlay placed in order to protect the tooth and return it to its normal function.

After endodontic treatment the tooth may feel tender for the first few days, especially if it was acutely painful before the treatment. This discomfort will usually be resolved by taking usual painkillers. It is important to follow Peters advice and call us if there are any problems.

Some teeth may not be suitable for root canal treatment or re-treatment. This may lead to the tooth requiring an apicectomy.

An Apicectomy involves raising a flap of gum tissue surrounding the tooth to expose the underlying bone. The inflamed or infected tissue is removed along with the end of the root and the area debrided (cleaned), you will then have sutures placed. Suture removal takes place 3-4 days post-surgery.
What can I expect?
1. Your general dentist will usually contact us with a referral including an up-to-date x-ray of the tooth/teeth concerned. A member of our team will then contactyou usually within a couple of days to book the necessary appointments and provide you with a quote.

2. You will either come in for a consultation and discussion with Peter Davis or if he is happy with the information and x-ray sent with the referral, a 1-hour treatment slot to have root canal performed. Peter will always discuss the treatment at the start, so you are fully understanding and consenting to treatment on the day. Our team are very happy to discuss any details about the treatment during booking too.
What happens after I have seen Peter Davis?
Peter will complete the treatment and place either a temporary filling or a permanent composite core. Most patients then must return to their general dentist to have a crown placed on the tooth that has been treated, which will protect the tooth. This is advised to be done 6-8 weeks at most after the treatment has been completed. This is at a separate cost to the root canal treatment and will be quoted by your general dentist.

You should not feel any considerable pain after root canal treatment, so please contact us directly should you experience any problems. It can take a few days to settle which is normal.
How much is root canal treatment?
Endodontics Fee Guide
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