There’s no need to be worried if your dentist prescribes a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Tens of thousands of teeth are treated and saved this way each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy again.
How Do Root Canal Treatments Work?
Inside every tooth are nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive and healthy while also allowing you to sense sensation. The nerves and blood vessels of the tooth are located inside small channels or canals known as the root canal of the tooth. The nerves and blood vessels might become injured or infected in situations of severe dental decay, trauma, big cavities, or extensive tooth wear. When this happens, an infection develops, resulting in toothache or an abscess. A root canal is performed to restore and save your tooth. Root canal therapy involves removing damaged nerves and blood vessels, cleaning the canals inside the tooth, and filling the canals with a filling to seal the tooth again. Because root canal treatment is an extremely sensitive procedure, we at Naenae Dental clinic do it with accuracy by utilising specialised rotating devices.
Root Canal Treatment Process
We take pride in offering painless operations and completing hundreds of successful root canal treatments each year utilising cutting-edge equipment at Naenae Dental Clinic. We can guarantee that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the treatment by using powerful local anaesthetic to thoroughly numb the region before the operation begins. If a root canal is required, the procedure is usually completed in two to three sessions. The first session will be focused on removing the infection, cleaning the tooth, and relieving any pain you are having; the second appointment will be focused on returning the tooth to its normal function.
If you are in discomfort or suspect you may need a root canal, please do not hesitate to contact our professionals. We can help you decide if this is the right treatment option for you. We’d be pleased to answer any questions you may have!
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal treatment is typically completed over two to three appointments. The first focuses on removing the infection and cleaning the canals, while later visits complete the sealing and restoration of the tooth.
Many root-canal-treated teeth continue functioning well for years, particularly when restored with a crown and maintained with good oral hygiene. Longevity varies by individual case, including how well the tooth is protected afterward.
Root canal treatment aims to save your natural tooth by removing the infected tissue, while extraction removes the tooth entirely. Keeping a natural tooth where possible can help maintain your bite and avoid the need for a bridge, implant, or denture later, though suitability depends on how damaged the tooth is.
Yes, a modified version of root canal treatment can sometimes be used on baby teeth to manage infection and preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out, helping maintain space for permanent teeth. Your Naenae Dental Clinic in Lower Hutt can advise whether this is appropriate for your child’s situation.
Yes, root canal treatment is usually done under local anaesthetic with the patient fully awake, similar to having a filling. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, so most patients feel little to no pain, though you may notice pressure or vibration from the instruments used. Let your dentist know if you feel any discomfort so it can be addressed.
Nerve damage or infection doesn’t always cause noticeable pain, especially in early stages. Sometimes an abscess or infection is picked up on a routine X-ray at Naenae Dental Clinic before symptoms become obvious.
Root canal treatment at our Naenae Dental Clinic in Lower Hutt uses specialised rotary instruments to clean and shape the canals accurately, along with digital X-rays to help plan and check treatment progress.
You can contact us by phone, email, or through our online booking system to arrange an assessment. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take an X-ray if needed, and discuss whether root canal treatment is the right option for you.
This depends on how deep the damage or infection goes. If decay or injury has reached the nerve tissue, a filling alone usually won’t resolve it. An examination and X-ray at your Lower Hutt appointment will confirm which treatment is appropriate.
Often yes, particularly for back teeth handling significant chewing force. Removing the nerve tissue can make a tooth more brittle, so a crown is commonly recommended afterward to protect it. Your Naenae Dental Clinic in Lower Hutt dentist can advise based on the tooth’s location.
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