General Dentistry
Root Canal Treatment in Wellington
When the soft inner tissue of a tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or severely inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth, it can cause excruciating pain. If left untreated, the infection can lead to a dental abscess and eventually the loss of the tooth.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a highly effective procedure designed to eliminate the infection, relieve your pain, and save your natural tooth from extraction. While the term "root canal" can cause apprehension for some patients, modern dental technology and advanced anaesthesia make this procedure as comfortable and routine as getting a standard filling.
What are the signs I might need a root canal?
You may need root canal therapy if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Severe, persistent toothache: , especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
- Prolonged sensitivity: to hot or cold temperatures, even after the heat or cold has been removed.
- Discolouration or darkening: of the affected tooth.
- Swelling and tenderness: in the nearby gums.
- A persistent or recurring pimple-like bump on the gums near the painful tooth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we strongly recommend booking an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.
How does the root canal procedure work?
At Newtown Dental, our experienced dentists perform root canal treatments with precision and care, ensuring you are completely comfortable throughout the process.
Diagnosis and Anaesthesia
We begin by taking digital X-rays to assess the extent of the infection. We then administer profound local anaesthesia to ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb. You will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Removing the Infection
We create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp. Using specialised micro-instruments, we carefully remove the diseased tissue, clean the root canals, and disinfect the area thoroughly.
Filling and Sealing
Once the canals are clean and dry, we fill them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seal the opening to prevent future bacterial contamination.
Restoring the Tooth
A tooth that has undergone a root canal becomes brittle over time. To protect the tooth and restore its full function, we highly recommend placing a custom-made dental crown over the treated tooth. We offer fast-turnaround, same-day crowns using our in-house milling technology.
Will a root canal hurt?
The most common misconception about root canals is that they are painful. In reality, the procedure is designed to *relieve* the severe pain caused by the tooth infection.
Because we use modern local anaesthetics, the procedure itself is virtually painless. For patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety or have difficulty getting numb, we offer IV Sedation to ensure you remain completely relaxed and stress-free while we save your tooth.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of a root canal in New Zealand varies depending on which tooth is affected. Front teeth have a single root canal and are generally less complex to treat, while back molars can have up to four canals and require more time and expertise.
During your initial consultation, we will take an X-ray to assess the tooth and provide you with a transparent, itemised quote before any treatment begins. We also offer flexible payment options to help you manage the cost of saving your tooth.
Save Your Natural Tooth Today
Don’t let severe tooth pain disrupt your life, and don't rush to extract a tooth that can be saved. Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option for your long-term oral health.
Call us at 04 389 3808 or book online to schedule an urgent root canal assessment.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to get a root canal or just pull the tooth?
Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the better option. Extracting a tooth leaves a gap that can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to bite problems and bone loss. Replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge is also significantly more expensive and time-consuming than a root canal.
How many appointments does a root canal take?
Depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the tooth's root system, a root canal can be completed in one or two appointments. If a dental crown is required, we can often prepare and place the crown on the same day using our advanced in-house technology.
What should I expect after the procedure?
For the first few days following the treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol.