Root canal treatment Wellington: save your natural tooth
Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, allowing the tooth to be saved rather than extracted.
Signs you may need root canal treatment
These symptoms often indicate that the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, has become infected or damaged.
- Severe toothache
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- Discolouration of a tooth
Saving a tooth beats replacing it
Saving a natural tooth through root canal treatment is almost always preferable to extraction, as it preserves your bite, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for an implant or bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed, and it relieves the significant pain caused by dental infection. It is carried out under local anaesthetic so you remain comfortable throughout.
What happens during the procedure?
Your dentist will carefully remove the infected pulp tissue, clean and shape the root canals, and seal the tooth to prevent re-infection.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
In most cases a crown is recommended following root canal treatment, to restore the tooth's strength and protect it from fracture.
Why not just have the tooth out?
Saving a natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction, because it preserves your bite, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for an implant or bridge.