Root Canal Therapy (RCT), Root Filling or Endodontic Therapy are different terms used to describe the same procedure.

Teeth that have been satisfactorily root treated and properly restored have one of the highest success rates in dentistry.

Why does a tooth need a Root Canal?

If the nerve in a tooth becomes irreparably damaged or in fact dies either the tooth will need to be root filled or extracted.

The most likely cause for the nerve in a tooth to die is as a result of decay, a cracked tooth or sometimes excessive loading of the tooth. The tooth may even develop an abscess. This is where infection develops around the end of the tooth and can sometimes be associated with swelling in the gum or cheek.

Depending on how badly affected the nerve is the symptoms experienced can vary from mild to severe sensitivity to hot and or cold and possibly tenderness to pressure.

What is a root canal?

When a tooth requires a root canal the nerve canal is cleaned out, sterilised and then filled to seal the inside of the tooth.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to ensure it is pain free.

How many appointments will it take?

Root canal therapy can often be completed in one visit. Teeth with more severe or resistant infections require multiple visits.

Root canal therapy used to be a time consuming procedure. Now, with the aid of new special handpieces, nickle titanium files and rapid filling techniques, the time required has been reduced dramatically. At the same time success rates have probably increased.....!

What discomfort will I have?

An inflammatory reaction can occur around the end of the tooth after completion of a root canal. To prevent this a course of Nurofen , an over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain killer, following the procedure will prevent the inflammation from developing.

Where there has been significant infection around the tooth, there may be a need for a course of antibiotics to settle the tooth down.

What is the success rate of root canal therapy?

Generally, root canal therapy has a better than 90% success rate. This success rate can sometimes be reduced for teeth with unfavourable root patterns or long-standing areas of infection around the roots.

Does the tooth require any sort of special filling after a root canal?

A tooth that has had a root canal therapy tends to be more brittle and as a result more susceptible to breaking. Thus most root canalled back teeth are best covered over with a rigid material such as gold or porcelain to prevent the tooth breaking. This is often not necessary for front teeth.

Will my tooth go dark after a root canal therapy?

Some teeth will discolour after Root Canal Therapy.

If this is a concern - for example where the tooth is visible - it can often be bleached back to a normal colour. If the tooth is otherwise heavily filled a crown or porcelain veneer facing can be used to hide the discolouration.