Endodontics

What is it? Root canal therapy treats inflammation or infection inside a tooth. The pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed. The aim is to treat the problem while keeping your natural tooth.

Why is it done? Deep decay, cracks, repeated dental treatment or an injury can damage the pulp. Treatment may be recommended to relieve pain and address infection. Some affected teeth have few symptoms, so an examination and imaging help determine what is needed.

Possible signs include:

• Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling, tenderness or a small bump on the gum

What happens afterward? The tooth is treated with local anaesthetic. Some tenderness afterward is possible. A permanent filling or crown is needed to protect and restore the tooth; your dentist will advise which restoration is appropriate.

We will explain the findings, treatment options and next steps so you can make an informed decision.

These treatments address damaged pulp inside the tooth. Although their names sound similar, they remove different amounts of tissue. The choice depends on the pulp’s condition, whether the tooth can be restored, and its stage of development.

Pulpotomy removes part or all of the pulp within the crown while preserving living pulp in the roots. A protective material and a well-sealed restoration are placed. For a suitable tooth, this can preserve vitality; in a young permanent tooth, it can support continued root development.

Pulpectomy removes pulp from both the crown and root canals. The canals are cleaned and filled. It may be used for a baby tooth with irreversibly inflamed or dead pulp; removing all pulp is also a component of conventional root canal treatment in a permanent tooth.

Which treatment is right for you? Assessment includes symptoms, examination and imaging. Your clinician will discuss the appropriate approach and restoration. Follow-up checks are important to monitor healing and, where relevant, root development.

An apicoectomy, also called root-end surgery, treats persistent inflammation or infection around the tip of a tooth’s root. It may be considered when a tooth has not healed after root canal treatment.

Why might surgery be recommended? Sometimes treatment through the crown alone cannot resolve the problem. Your endodontist will assess the tooth and explain whether further root canal treatment, surgery or another option is appropriate.

What does the procedure involve? With the area numbed, a small opening is made in the gum to reach the root tip. Inflamed or infected tissue and the end of the root are removed. A small root-end filling may be placed to seal the canal, and stitches help the gum heal.

What happens afterward? Some postoperative discomfort is expected. You will receive care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Bone healing around the treated root takes place over the following months.

The goal is to give a suitable tooth another opportunity to heal and remain in function.