General Dentistry

White Fillings | Inlays and Onlays | Root canal therapy | Extractions | Dentures

The thought of requiring root canal therapy can make some people a little apprehensive as it’s perceived as a painful procedure. However, with the development of new dental techniques employed by the Bright Star Dental Centre team of dentists, specially developed fine instruments and various pain management options available, root canal therapy can be completed efficiently and comfortably, often in as few as two appointments.

Root canal therapy is required because of an infection of the tooth’s nerve, a tooth can have as few as one or up to four root canals, sometimes more. Without treatment, irreparable bone and tissue damage can occur, an abscess may develop and the tooth may need to be removed.

Following a thorough examination which will involve detailed x-rays, your Bright Star dentist will develop with you a treatment plan and answer all your questions as well as discuss the procedure with you in detail.
On some occasions when a tooth has undergone root canal therapy, there is a need to remove a portion of the tooth’s structure. It may therefore be necessary to place a supportive metal post to provide additional strength. Placement of a crown over your treated tooth will restore the tooth’s strength, form and function.

Following your procedure you may experience some mild discomfort for several days. Over-the-counter pain relief medication is often all that is required to ease any discomfort, a soft food diet for about a week is also recommended. A follow-up exam may be advised to monitor your progress.

An effective oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will keep your teeth and gums healthy and help to avoid the need for any future root canal therapy.