Root Canal Services in Hobart
Dr Girish has a special interest in the field of Endodontics and Microscopic endodontics. He has vast knowledge and experience in performing complicated root canal treatments.
A root canal is sometimes an alternative option to having a tooth removed. A tooth might need a root canal when the nerve inside a tooth is involved, and a filling alone won’t fix the problem. A root canal allows us to try and save a tooth.
How does the nerve become involved?
From a large or deep hole in the tooth
Trauma to a tooth
When a large filling irritates the nerve
Gum or bone disease
When the tooth is fractured
When a tooth is extremely worn down
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Some symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal include:
A severe toothache
Pain to hot, cold or pressure
Facial pain or swelling
A discoloured tooth
A little bump in the gums near the tooth you’re worried about
What does it involve?
Our dentists will complete several tests and take some x-rays to determine if your tooth is suitable for a root canal. If it is, the procedure be carried out over several appointments and will involve:
Local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel anything
Accessing the canal inside the tooth where the nerve lives
Removing the nerve with small files
Rinsing out the canals to remove any infection
Placing medicine in the canals to help the tooth heal and recover
Finding the exact length of the canal with more x-rays
Shaping the canal and placing a long-term filling inside it
When is it suitable?
For a root canal to be successful, the tooth needs to be able to be sealed to stop future infections. If the tooth that requires a root canal is a molar or takes a lot of biting forces, your dentist may suggest you have a crown placed after the root canal. A crown provides structural integrity to the tooth and the best seal to stop future complications, such as re-infection or fracture.
What else do I need to know?
Depending on the tooth involved, root canal appointments can be quite lengthy. It is a technique sensitive procedure and our dentists want to do the best job they can.
Is it true that root canal treatment is painful?
In spite of what you may have heard, most of our patients report that having root canal therapy done is only as uncomfortable as having a filling. Our gentle team will administer local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort during your root canal procedure.