At Duncan Dental located at 186 Fraser Street, Tauranga, 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.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

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.

The Procedure

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.

Aftercare

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

How much does root canal treatment cost in Tauranga?

At Duncan Dental in Tauranga, root canal treatment typically costs $1,400 for a single canal or $1,600 for multiple canals. The final cost depends on the tooth being treated, the complexity of the procedure and whether additional restorative work, such as a dental crown, is required. Your dentist can provide a personalised treatment plan and cost estimate following an examination.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia to numb the affected area and minimise discomfort. Most patients experience little or no pain during the procedure. Some tenderness or sensitivity is normal for a few days afterwards, but this generally improves as the surrounding tissues heal. The treatment is designed to relieve pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth.

How long does a root canal procedure take?

At Duncan Dental, root canal treatment typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes per appointment, depending on the tooth and complexity of the procedure. Treatment usually requires between one and three visits. Teeth with multiple roots or more complicated infections may require additional time to ensure the canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and sealed.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs that you may need root canal treatment include persistent toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when biting or chewing, swollen gums or a darkened tooth. However, some infected teeth cause few noticeable symptoms. A dental examination and X-rays are needed to determine whether root canal treatment is necessary.

Is it better to have a root canal or extract the tooth?

Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is generally preferable to extraction. Root canal treatment removes infected tissue while allowing the tooth to remain in place. Extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too badly damaged to restore. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain the benefits, risks and costs of each option, including any replacement treatment needed after extraction.

How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?

A successfully treated and properly restored tooth can last for many years, sometimes a lifetime. Longevity depends on factors such as the condition of the tooth, the quality of the final restoration, oral hygiene and regular dental care. Maintaining healthy gums and protecting the tooth from further damage can help improve its long-term survival.

Will I need a dental crown after root canal treatment?

Many teeth require a dental crown following root canal treatment, particularly back teeth that experience significant chewing pressure. A crown can help protect the remaining tooth structure and reduce the risk of fracture. However, not every root canal-treated tooth requires a crown. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate restoration based on the tooth's location, condition and remaining structure.

Can an infected tooth heal without root canal treatment?

Once the pulp inside a tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, it generally cannot heal on its own. Antibiotics may sometimes help manage a spreading infection, but they do not remove infected tissue from inside the tooth. Root canal treatment or extraction is usually necessary to address the underlying problem. Delaying treatment can allow the infection to worsen.

What should I avoid after root canal treatment?

Following root canal treatment, avoid chewing until the local anaesthetic has worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. If your tooth has a temporary filling or crown, avoid hard or sticky foods and minimise chewing on that side until the permanent restoration is completed. Continue brushing and flossing gently, and follow your dentist's specific aftercare instructions.

Where can I get root canal treatment in Tauranga?

Duncan Dental provides root canal treatment at its Fraser Street clinic, located at 186 Fraser Street, Tauranga. Our dentists assess infected or damaged teeth and provide treatment aimed at relieving discomfort and preserving natural teeth whenever possible. Contact Duncan Dental to arrange an examination and discuss your treatment options.

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