What is Endodontics
Endodontics is a specialised area of Dentistry that focuses on retaining teeth affected by diseases of the pulp and the associated inflammation of the supporting structures.
Endodontists are Dentists with further specialised university training in this discipline. Endodontists’ specialty further includes the diagnosis of oral and facial pain, endodontic microsurgery as well as the management of dental trauma.
A tooth is essentially made up of the outer hard layer of Enamel, which supports the inner layer called Dentine. At the core of the tooth surrounded by Dentine, is a space filled with a soft tissue known as the Dental Pulp, which consists of blood vessels and nerves originating from the end of the root of the tooth. The channel that the pulp passes through in the root is known as the root canal system.
Infections of the pulp can develop subsequent to decay, deep restorations, cracks or trauma. Typical indications of pulpal damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration of the tooth and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums, although sometimes, there may be no symptoms.
Your endodontic treatment
Following a thorough consultation, a tailored treatment plan is developed by our Specialists, which will outline the most appropriate course of treatment for your personal endodontic issue.
Endodontic treatment
Endodontic or root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp tissue and disinfecting the pulp space/root canals before sealing it with a biocompatible root-filling material. This treatment is always performed under local anaesthetic and isolation with a rubber sheet/dam around the tooth being treated to ensure your comfort and safety. Endodontic treatment is often a complex procedure and typically completed over 1-3 appointments. Occasionally, patients may experience some discomfort following treatment but generally over-the-counter medication is effective in pain relief. Root canal treatment has a high rate of healing but it is important that you return to your general dentist promptly following treatment for the permanent filling or construction of a crown.
Retreatment
As with any dental or medical procedure, there are instances where the tooth does not heal fully as expected due to persistent or new infection. Following removal of the previous root filling material, the aim of retreatment is to re-disinfect and fill the root canal space to allow for complete healing. As with endodontic treatment, retreatment generally has a high healing rate, however, this tends to be a more complex procedure and the prognosis of each individual case may be affected by the any previous complications.
Endodontic microsurgery
Endodontic therapy may need to be performed surgically in selected cases if the inflammation or infection persists despite endodontic treatment and/or retreatment. The small surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and utilises microsurgical techniques and is generally performed in a single appointment in the dental chair.
Infection control
Infection control in our practice is critically important to us. To protect our patients and ourselves, we strictly maintain sterilisation and cross contamination processes in accordance to the guidelines recommended by AHPRA Dental Board, Australian Dental Association and Standards Australia.
Practice policies
Cost of treatment
Endodontic treatment is a complex procedure and the cost will vary depending on the tooth, difficulty of the treatment and number of appointments required.
In general, back teeth (molars) are more difficult to treat than front teeth. During your consultation, all costs associated with your treatment will be discussed with you. Endodontic treatment is usually less expensive than an extraction and replacement with an artificial tooth (implant).
Payment and cancellation policy
Treatment is usually carried out over 1-3 visits. Occasionally, more visits can be required. Payment for treatment is required on the day, after each appointment (EFTPOS facilities are available). Should you need to change an appointment time, please contact our reception staff who can help arrange an alternative day or time. Failure to attend a scheduled appointment or cancellation without 24 hours notice may incur a fee.
