At Duncan Dental on 11th Avenue and Elizabeth Street, our highly skilled team is dedicated to preserving and restoring the health of your teeth. One of the services we excel in is providing root canal treatment to help save your natural teeth and eliminate pain caused by infection or inflammation.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure performed at our Tauranga dentists to treat an infected or damaged tooth, preventing further damage and preserving the tooth. When the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, trauma, or cracks, it can lead to severe pain and, if left untreated, tooth loss.
At Duncan Dental, we ensure that our Tauranga patients receive the most comfortable and effective root canal treatment. The procedure typically involves several steps:
1. Examination and diagnosis: Our experienced dentists will conduct a thorough examination, using advanced imaging techniques such as digital X-rays, to accurately diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action.
2. Anaesthesia: We administer local anaesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Accessing the pulp chamber: The dentist will create a small opening in the tooth's crown to access the infected pulp.
4. Pulp removal and cleaning: The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned using special instruments called endodontic files.
5. Disinfection and shaping: The canals are disinfected and shaped to prepare them for the filling material.
6. Filling and sealing: A biocompatible material called gutta-percha is used to fill the cleaned and shaped canals. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
7. Restoration: In most cases, a crown or other restorative treatment is placed on the treated tooth to protect it and restore its function.
Following root canal treatment, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
At Duncan Dental Tauranga, our goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health and provide comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs. If you suspect that you may require a root canal treatment or have any dental concerns, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.