Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I need an endodontic procedure?

An endodontic procedure is necessary when the pulp/tooth or surrounding tissue becomes severely damaged or inflamed due to deep decay, infection, a filling cracking or leaking, or it can occur after an accident/trauma involving the tooth. Endodontic treatment will remove the bacteria and irritants from the root canals allowing the surrounding tissue to heal itself and bring it back to normal function.

How long will my root canal treatment last?

If the endodontic treatment is done to a high technical standard and the tooth is properly restored in a timely way, and with good hygiene care and regular check-ups by your general dentist, there is a >95% chance that the tooth will be retained for many years and perhaps a lifetime.

Endodontic treatment instead salvages your natural tooth; your own tooth is far better at chewing and biting than an artificial tooth.

How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?

Using a special microscope and other speacially designed instruments, your endodontist will carefully remove the infected tissue (pulp) that’s inside your tooth. This will relieve the pain and inflammation. The tooth is now ‘nerveless’ inside but outside, maintains its natural structure. The canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and then gently shaped, filled and permanently restored. It now looks like it was before it became damaged.

Finally, a permanent restoration e.g. a crown, is placed on the remaining tooth to give it long term protection against further infection or cracks.

Will I feel pain during and after the treatment?

At Malvern Endodontics, we take great care to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. Often, a local anaesthetic is administered so that the endodontic treatment can be carried out with no painful side effects.

As the local anaesthetic wears off following your treatment, you may experience some discomfort but can often be managed with over-the-counter pain-relief medications. In the days following your treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive and unusual compared to the other teeth in your mouth. This sensitivity varies, depending on the severity and extent of your tooth damage prior to treatment. Should the sensitivity last more than a few days, or if it escalates to be extremely painful, seek advice from your endodontist.

Most of our patients comment however, that any pain associated with treating the tooth or in the after surgery phases is no comparison to what they experienced when the tooth was infected/damaged.

If I am not experiencing pain, do I still need a root canal?

Pain is only one indication that root canal treatment may be necessary. A healthy patient may harbour an infection inside a tooth, but due to a robust ability to fight infection, the patient may be unaware of what is happening inside the tooth. Your general dentist can often identify these teeth and refer you to Malvern Endodontics to have these infected teeth treated by root canal therapy before they cause infection, swelling and pain.

How long will my root canal treatment take?

Every case is different so we take time to tailor our treatment plans to suit each individual. Generally speaking, approximately 1-1½ hours per visit and generally 1-3 appointments. Following your initial consultation, your endodontist will explain what is required for your individual circumstance and how many visits will be necessary.