Root Canal Treatment.

Root canal treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. 

You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases, your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

With root canal treatment, patients are able to keep their own teeth rather than having them removed.

For root canal inquiries, contact the Dental On Richmond located in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

Root canal symptoms

Pain is the most common symptom experienced when you need root canal treatment. Sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discolouration, and swelling or soreness in the gums surrounding the tooth may also be felt. 

If you have any pain or sensitivity of your teeth you should visit us as soon as you can.

Root canal healing

Root canals will usually take several visits to complete

Following the first consultation where we take x-rays and examine your teeth and mouth, we will then start the treatment by removing the infected pulp.

At the next visits, we will complete the root canal treatment and place the final restoration. 

Further appointments are scheduled if you have any problems or issues.

Root canal treatment vs extraction

Natural teeth are so good at their job that it’s generally considered a good idea to keep them whenever possible. Even if the nerve must be removed, there’s a chance the tooth can still do what it needs to do.

If you have a tooth that’s been damaged too much to be saved, extraction is likely the better option. 

Some patients ask whether or not extraction involves fewer appointments, as a root canal sometimes needs to be carried out over multiple visits. The answer depends on your teeth – there are so many variables involved that there’s no single best option. After all, tooth extraction may also need to be carried out over two or three appointments, especially if the patient wants to replace the tooth with a dental implant.

Root canal treatment cost

Root canals often multiple visits to complete. The price will vary depending on the condition of your tooth and how many visits you will need to complete the treatment. Once you’ve been examined we will be able to give you an approximate cost for the treatment.