SERVICES PROVIDED

You’re In Good Hands

As a registered specialist endodontist, I aim to offer my services in order to meet my patients’ needs. I’m highly committed to offering high quality care to the Canterbury community. 

FIRST APPOINTMENT - CONSULATION

At your first visit your medical history will be assessed and a comprehensive examination will be conducted in relation to the tooth or teeth that you were referred for. A radiograph (X-ray) and/or a CBCT (3-D X-ray) may be required to aid in assessment. You will be provided with a diagnosis and the available treatment options will be explained to you. This process will allow you to ask questions and enable you to make an informed decision.  At the end of the consultation you will be given a consent letter and a written quote.
In some situations, we may start the first stage of treatment after the consultation, especially for patients from out of town.  Root canal treatment is normally done over two visits but sometimes a single visit is appropriate. In complicated cases more than two visits may be necessary. 
On completion of your treatment, a treatment report, together with radiographs will be sent to your dentist.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canal treatment is aimed at saving a tooth presenting with an inflamed or infected pulp and root canal system.  The inflamed pulp (nerve) or infection is removed to eliminate the source of the problem. A small hole is made on the top or back of your tooth into the pulp space and the root canals are identified, cleaned and shaped using small files and antibacterial solutions. The root canals are usually medicated for 1-2 weeks and then permanently filled followed by the placement of a restoration to protect the tooth. In some cases a crown may be recommended to better protect the tooth in function.

ROOT CANAL RE-TREATMENT

In some instances, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment fails to heal or remains painful. Occasionally, a new problem can emerge from a tooth that was treated in the past. In these cases, retreatment of the root canals is necessary to save the tooth.
This procedure takes longer than the initial treatment, as it involves removal of the restoration and old filling materials, as well as looking for extra canals that may contain inflamed or infected nerve tissue, decay around filling margins or cracks that may allow bacteria into the tooth.

APICAL SURGERY

Apical surgery is performed if the previous root canal treatment has been completed to a high standard or if retreatment of the root canal is not possible due to a post or obstacle in the tooth.
It is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure involves lifting a small flap of gum tissue to gain access the end of the root. The lesion, usually inflammatory tissue or a cyst, is removed and the root end is sealed with a small filling.

DENTAL TRAUMA

Dental trauma can cause damage to the tooth crown, nerve (pulp), the root and its surrounding tissues. Treatment of traumatic dental injuries varies widely depending on the type and extent of the injury. Management varies depending on the nature of the traumatic injury. It is important that the injury is accurately diagnosed and treatment initiated promptly. In some instances the consequences of injuries are not apparent immediately and so long-term clinical and radiograph assessment is essential. 
It is important that any injury is recorded accurately with ACC and your dentist or endodontist can help you with this.

BLEACHING DISCOLOURED TEETH

Root-filled teeth can discolour as to correct this, internal bleaching can be carried out. In some cases, a veneer may be required to achieve a more aesthetic result.
Bleaching is carried out internally on a discoloured root-filled single tooth. This is not to be confused with external bleaching of multiple teeth commonly referred to as “teeth whitening”.

WHAT TO EXPECT