Root Canal

Root canal treatments are performed on the pulp of the tooth (the soft centre) after it has become infected with bacteria. The goal of performing root canal treatment is to remove any pain and to save the tooth.

When is a root canal needed?

When bacteria enter the soft centre of the tooth that controls the nerves and blood vessels, it can become inflamed and cause severe pain in the tooth. A root canal aims to remove this infected tissue and restore the tooth.

Root canal treatments are performed for the following reasons:

• Bacteria has entered the tooth due to an untreated cavity
• The tooth is cracked or chipped, and bacteria has infected it
• Multiple procedures on the same tooth have caused it to weaken and decay
• The tooth has been injured

What symptoms should I look out for?

Pulp inflammation generally causes pain, discomfort and a feeling of heat in the gums. However, if you are experiencing any of the following, contact us to set up an appointment.

• Tooth discolouration
• Tooth pain that lasts and won't subside
• Swollen gums and jaw
• A loose, chipped, or cracked tooth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pimples on the gums

What happens during a root canal procedure?

Dr Borman will first need to perform a physical examination of the painful tooth and take X-rays to determine the diagnosis.

During the procedure, the area around the inflamed tooth will be numbed with local anaesthesia so that you don't feel any pain. Then, Dr Borman and his team will use special tools to open the top of the tooth and remove the damaged pulp from the inside.

Once all the infected tissue is removed, Dr Borman will disinfect the area and fill the tooth with sealer paste and gutta-percha, a rubbery dental material. You may also need a crown to protect the tooth if the insufficient tooth structure is left. Dr Borman will create the crown for you by taking digital scans of the area and using CAD/CAM technology to create a ceramic crown that matches the colour and shape of your teeth.

Our innovative dental technology allows us to treat root canals and create crowns in one sitting.

Root canal care

It's normal to experience swelling and sensitivity in the area after a root canal procedure. Dr Borman will prescribe antibiotics to prevent the area from getting infected and may recommend a follow-up appointment to check your healing progress.