Root Canal Treatment – FAQ

Endodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with infected or inflamed pulp or nerve tissue contained inside the root canals of a tooth.

An endodontist is a dentist who has completed three additional years of specialist training in all aspects of root canal treatment. As a root canal specialist, endodontists are highly skilled in performing straightforward and complex root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is one of the most common dental procedures performed. The treatment, which ranges in complexity from pain management to apical microsurgery, can help you keep your natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction, dental implants, bridges or dentures.
Endodontic treatment involves:

• Removing the infected pulp from the root canal (or canals) of your tooth
• Cleaning and disinfecting the root canals
• Filling the disinfected space with a biocompatible material to prevent re-infection
• Placing a filling in the tooth or a core that serves as the basis for a crown.

No, a referral is not necessary to see an endodontist and you are able to contact us directly for an appointment. However, we usually work in close coordination with your general dentist to achieve the best outcome for you and your tooth. Any prior x-rays or treatment information you may have can be helpful in planning the best treatment.

Yes, root canal treatment has a very high success rate. Unfortunately, there is a perception that root canal treatment does not work. There are several factors that increase the likelihood of success, including:

• Early assessment –The earlier an assessment can be made of your tooth, the better.
• Clinician experience –Root canal treatment is ideally performed by an experienced clinician. With experience comes the ability to assess accurately and deliver a solution with confidence.
• Technology –Advanced technologies and equipment make root canal treatment a more manageable experience as they ensure the procedure is minimally invasive, and in the majority of cases, pain free.
• Quality of the restoration (filling or crown) –The success of your root canal treatment is dependent on the protection of your tooth with a filling or crown. At your appointment we will discuss which option is appropriate for your tooth. If your tooth is restored well, the chance of successful treatment is very high. It is for this reason we work closely with your dentist.

Although there is no guarantee root canal treatment will last forever, if the condition is accurately diagnosed and treatment performed well, patients can expect a solution that lasts.

While many dentists perform root canal therapy successfully, an endodontist is a specialist in root canal treatment and is the ideal person to manage complex cases.

An endodontist is a dentist who has completed specialised postgraduate training to perform all endodontic procedures.

When root canal treatment is complex, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist to ensure you receive the most ideal treatment. For this reason, we prefer to work in collaboration with your general dentist.

Learn more about Dr Pope’s credentials and experience

Yes, the majority of root canal treatment procedures can be completed pain free. We will work with you to understand any concerns you have around pain management and devise an approach to your procedure that limits, or completely eliminates, the pain that could be experienced during treatment.
Our pain management during procedures include:

• The application of numbing gel to reduce any sensation experienced prior to commencement of treatment
• Use of local anaesthesia during both surgical and non-surgical treatment
• Post treatment pain management and follow up
• Twilight sedation or “sleep dentistry” is available. Learn more about sleep dentistry.

Yes it does, although technology and equipment is only as good as the clinician who is using it. At Endodontists on Collins, we use specialist equipment and materials, including:

• Operating microscopes are used for all examination and treatment procedures. Due to high magnification and illumination, we have exceptional precision that allow us to:
  • Reduce the size of the access hole we need to make in your tooth, thereby maximising strength and the longevity of treatment
  • Identify sources of infection that cannot be seen otherwise
  • Find cracks in your tooth that may compromise treatment
  • Utilise microsurgical techniques to make endodontic surgery more successful
• Cone Beam CT (3D-imaging) allows us to see the tooth in all dimensions, allowing us to make the right treatment decision. By seeing more of the tooth, the likelihood of success is maximised. Cone Beam CT is available in-house, minimising the need for follow up consultations.
• We utilise the latest in heat-treated nickel titanium instruments that are highly flexible, specially designed instruments to allow removal of infected tissue. These instruments make the procedure more successful and more efficient.
• Modern materials that enhance a treatment’s longevity.

In our practice we offer intravenous twilight sedation, also known as “sleep dentistry”. Most of our patients experience comfortable treatment with a local anaesthetic, however a small minority of patients will request twilight sedation. We work with a dental sedationist/anaesthetist who will consult with you separately and discuss fees for this procedure.

The general steps at your treatment appointment are:

Step 1 – Anaesthetic
The procedure will commence with a numbing gel on your gums followed by a local anesthetic, allowing us to perform treatment pain-free.

Step 2 – Application of rubber dam
A rubber sheet (rubber dam) will be placed over the tooth to maintain excellent visibility and to keep the area clean. Using rubber dam helps to keep you relaxed during the procedure and prevents anything going down your mouth. A bite block (“wedge”) can be placed on the other teeth to give you something to bite down on and to help relax your jaw.

Step 3 – Root Canal Treatment
An access cavity is created in the top of your tooth, allowing the root canals to be located, and cleaned. Once the canals have been disinfected, a root canal filling is placed.

Depending on the complexity of your case, treatment may be delivered over one or more visits.

Step 4 – Placement of crown/bridge or filling
Often, at the conclusion of root canal treatment, we will place the core filling in preparation for crown or permanent filling. If your tooth is well restored the success of root canal treatment is high.

Working in conjunction with your dentist, we will decide if your tooth requires crowning and may return you to your dentist or another specialist to complete treatment.

Root canal treatment is a more complex dental treatment and depending on the complexity of the case, fees will vary.

It is best to consult with your dentist or endodontist regarding your specific requirements as soon as you believe you may need root canal treatment. Early treatment of a tooth is preferable, and often less than, tooth replacement. Once you’ve been assessed, an accurate treatment cost can be provided to you.

For patients with private health insurance, we have HICAPS, enabling us to pay rebates at the time of payment processing. Note that rebates are dependent on the level of insurance cover provided by your health insurer.