Saving Your Natural Tooth with Advanced Technology and Expertise: Root Canal Treatment and Retreatment at Adelaide Gum Doctor with Dr. Deon Naicker

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to issues like deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental work, root canal treatment is necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and then filling and sealing them to prevent further infection and save the tooth.

Untreated tooth infections can lead to severe pain, swelling, abscesses, bone damage, and ultimately, tooth loss. Root canal treatment stops this process and allows you to keep your natural tooth.

Sometimes, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can experience new problems months or even years later. This can occur due to:

• New infection: Decay can re-enter the tooth.
• Inadequate initial treatment: Complex canal anatomy may not have been fully addressed.
• Fractured or cracked tooth: Damage can expose the filling material.
• Defective restoration: A leaky crown or filling can allow bacteria to enter.

Root canal retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, thoroughly cleaning and reshaping the canals again, and then refilling and sealing them. This procedure aims to address the new or persistent infection and save the tooth.

Dr. Naicker utilizes our advanced technology to perform both procedures with precision and prioritizes your comfort:

• Diagnosis and Assessment: Dr. Naicker will conduct a thorough examination, often utilizing our 3-D CBCT scan, to accurately diagnose the issue, whether it's a new infection or a problem with a previous root canal. He will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions. For retreatment, he will assess the previous treatment and identify the cause of the failure.
• Anesthesia: The tooth and surrounding area will be thoroughly numbed using local anesthesia.
• Access Opening (or Re-Entry): An opening is created (or the existing filling is accessed) to reach the root canals.
• Pulp/Filling Removal and Cleaning: Using specialized instruments and guided by the enhanced vision of the dental operating microscope, Dr. Naicker will carefully remove the infected pulp (for initial treatment) or the old filling material (for retreatment). The canals are then meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected again.
• Filling and Sealing: The clean and shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed.
• Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed.
• Final Restoration (Crown): A dental crown may be necessary to protect and strengthen the tooth after both initial root canal treatment and retreatment. That part is usually performed by your dentist, once Dr Naicker is satisfied with the treatment outcome.

Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia, making them no more uncomfortable than a regular filling. The goal is to relieve pain. Post-treatment sensitivity is usually mild.

• Saves Your Natural Tooth: Preserves your natural smile, bite, and chewing function, even if previous treatment failed.
• Alleviates Pain and Discomfort: Eliminates the source of infection and pain.
• Prevents Further Infection and Bone Loss: Stops the spread of bacteria.
• Restores Tooth Function: Allows you to continue using your tooth.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Maintains your natural smile.
• Enhanced Diagnosis: 3-D CBCT technology provides crucial information for complex cases.
• Precise Treatment: The dental operating microscope ensures meticulous cleaning and management of intricate canal systems.
• Expert Care: Dr. Naicker's specialized skills and advanced technology maximize the success of both initial and retreatment procedures.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, have a previously treated root canal that's causing problems, or have been advised that you need root canal treatment or retreatment, please contact Adelaide Gum Doctor to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deon Naicker. We are dedicated to providing you with expert care and utilizing the latest technology to save your natural tooth and restore your oral health.