Root canal therapy

Repair and restoration for badly damaged teeth

If your tooth has been severely damaged by decay or injury, we may be able to save it with root canal therapy.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure used to rescue a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. A root canal is often required when your tooth is seriously injured or you have a cavity that is left untreated for a long time and oral bacteria gets into the pulp (the centre of your tooth that houses the nerves and blood vessels). Root canal therapy replaces the infected pulp with a filling. As this treatment removes the nerves from your tooth and makes it more brittle, you will usually need a crown after root canal therapy to seal the top of the tooth and to reduce the risk from further damage.

What do I need to know?

You might feel a bit nervous at the thought of root canal therapy, but it’s a common procedure and the dentists at Natural Smile are vastly experienced. Root canal therapy eliminates the severe pain of dead or infected tooth pulp caused by cracked or extremely worn teeth, advanced tooth decay, or dental injury. The sooner you see us about tooth pain, sensitivity, looseness, or swelling of your face and gums, the more likely it will be that we can save your tooth and bring you lasting relief. We employ single-use reciprocating files for root canal therapy, which are more hygienic and less likely to break.

What other treatments are available?

Depending on your situation, some of the following treatment options might be recommended to transform your smile.

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Reciprocation
Reciprocation

Safer root canals with reciprocating files

When you get root canal therapy at Natural Smile Dental, you’ll benefit from the latest in canal cleaning technology.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about root canal therapy

  • You can greatly reduce your chances of needing root canal therapy by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, getting regular check-ups, and having your teeth professionally cleaned. At Natural Smile, we use minimally invasive dentistry techniques to ensure that minor problems are treated quickly before they develop into advanced conditions that require root canal therapy.

  • The length of time root canal therapy takes depends on how extensively your tooth is damaged and what kind of restoration is required. In most dental clinics, the treatment takes two sessions – one to do the root canal and one to do the restoration. However, at Natural Smile, we can often complete your treatment in one session using advanced CEREC instant crown technology. (link to page)

  • Decades ago, root canal therapy was a painful process, which is why some people are nervous about it today. But these days, a root canal feels no different to getting a standard filling. At Natural Smile, we ensure that every procedure we do is pain and stress free, and root canal therapy is no exception. If you’re concerned about it, come and have a chat with us so we can put your mind at ease.

  • In most cases, yes, you’ll be left with a fully functional, pain-free tooth for many years to come. However, depending on the size and shape of your canals, there is always a slight chance that some infection may remain in your tooth. There’s also the possibility that a new infection could find its way in around the restoration. If that happens, you will need more treatment in the future.

  • Root canal therapy can enable your tooth to last a lifetime, and you can help by following a good oral hygiene routine. Success will also depend on how your root canal was performed and how much of the original tooth remains. At Natural Smile, we use minimally invasive dentistry techniques and advanced technology designed to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.

  • The cost of your root canal therapy will depend on how badly damaged your tooth is and how many times you’ll need to see us to complete your treatment. Our 3D CEREC “instant teeth” technology often means your restoration can be created and placed in the same session, saving you time and money.