Root Canal Treatment
We have years of experience delivering root canal treatments in Hamilton. It's a procedure that has carried much anxiety for patients in the past but developments in technology and improved techniques have allowed us to deliver a much more comfortable experience.
The root canal itself is a fine space inside the tooth that contains the dental pulp that consists of soft tissue of nerve and blood vessels. If the dental pulp becomes diseased and badly decayed (or dies), a toothache or an abscess may occur. In the past, treatment would involve having the tooth extracted, but now a root canal procedure can save the tooth from being pulled.
What are the symptoms of a root canal?
Your dentist or endodontist will be the only ones that will be able to properly diagnose whether a root canal is required. Some of the common symptoms however include:
- Pain/sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures
- Severe pain during eating
- Abscesses may form on the gum that won't go away
- Possible discolouration in the tooth
- Uncomfortable swelling around the tooth.
What happens if a root canal goes untreated?
If you start to experience the symptoms above it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. In most cases, the pain you’ll be experiencing will compel you to do so.
If left untreated the infection will most likely continue to spread in the mouth and surrounding area. This could lead to surrounding teeth becoming inflamed and infected which could lead to the loss of those teeth and, in the worst-case scenario, infection around the head and neck could also occur.
Are root canals common?
If you have been told that you require root canal treatment, you are not alone. Millions of teeth every year are saved using root canal treatment and a root canal no longer means you will lose a tooth.
What's involved in a root canal procedure?
The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment and follows a fairly standard step-by-step process. This includes:
- Taking an x-ray to confirm the shape of the root canals and identify where the infection is
- The cleaning out of the inside of the tooth which includes having the infected pulp removed
- The sealing of the tooth usually with a temporary filling in the first instance
- The filling and final sealing once the dentist is satisfied the infection has cleared.
Root canals can lead to deep decay and abscesses forming if not treated so it is important to book in with your dentist if you detect any of the signals listed above.
How successful are root canal treatments?
If the canals are able to be fully cleaned and sealed and the tooth properly restored, then treatment has a very high success rate. The treatment may take several visits to complete with temporary fillings and dressings placed in the tooth between visits.
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed when an infection is present. The end result is the repair and saving of your natural tooth ridding it of pain and/or infection. This will give you full functionality with your tooth.
How is a tooth restored following root canal treatment?
It is very important that any dental restoration adequately seals the root filling from infection by bacteria in the mouth. Teeth requiring treatment often have large fillings or extensive damage and will require a crown to restore them properly. These teeth are also weaker and become brittle and the added protection of a crown is recommended.
What complications can occur during root canal treatment?
Because the root canals are very fine and curved in some teeth, it may be difficult to clean the canals completely. Occasionally a piece of a file may break off inside due to the strain placed on these fine instruments. Sometimes these are retrievable, but they may also be sealed in the tooth as part of the filling. Pain or discomfort may occur between appointments due to ongoing tenderness of the tissues around the tooth, or a flare-up of an abscess or a hair-line crack in the root.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Endodontic procedures have come a long way in recent times with the improvement in technology, development of modern painkillers and skilled specialists. Local anaesthetic and modern painkillers are used to provide comfortable treatment. Usually painful symptoms improve once treatment is started.
How much does a root canal cost in NZ?
The cost varies and our dentist will give you an estimate after a thorough examination. The cost will depend on the difficulty and the time spent treating the tooth during dental work.
Root Canal FAQs
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If you need dental care this is the place. The staff are all wonderful people and very professional. You can expect a warm welcome as soon as you walk in the door from the admin team, and a chat. I felt very relaxed during my procedures at Hamilton Dental, and my procedures were explained to me very clearly prior. Thanks Dr Bashar and the Hamilton Dental team for your professional care.
I love these guys so much! super fun appointments (I have had appointments with Bashar who is super bubbly and funny) and are very thorough with what they do. The receptionists as well as the dental assistants are lovely and just makes the whole experience much more pleasant. Also if you want to see a hygienist for a deep clean this is the place to go. My teeth have never looked so great. Highly recommend!
Bashar is so caring and empathetic. I had severe toothache and he kindly fitted me in to address the problem without having to wait. The whole practice is friendly, and professional but fun personalities that put you at ease immediately. Would definitely recommend.
Can't recommend these guys enough. The entire staff were amazing. I was very nervous about my first appointment with them as I was having crowns and had suffered an anxiety attack at my previous dentist - first time I had ever had one. Everyone made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. (The gas helped as well). Dr Bashar was amazing and very reassuring. Will be staying with these guys for sure. An excellent business. Thank you.
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From the lovely ladies at the front desk who are always cheerful and greet me by name to my dentist (Basher) who has such a bubbly, engaging personality and makes you feel at ease from the minute he greets you, through the consultation of what treatment is required & the cost of it all before getting started.
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Dr Bashar has such a caring nature and makes me feel so relaxed that I actually fell asleep during a recent appointment!
I can honestly say, that after nearly 40 years, I now look forward to going to the dentist, and I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Bashar and his team to anyone. Yes, he is that good. What a gift he has!
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