Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic therapy) has a reputation – but the reality today is very different. Thanks to modern techniques, advanced anaesthetics, and a calm, supportive environment, it’s no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, we’re here to help relieve your tooth pain and preserve your natural tooth with precision and care.
All of our dentists provide root canal treatment, but if your case is more complex, we may recommend seeing Dr Matt Bahho, who has a special interest in endodontics and handles cases that might otherwise be referred to a specialist.
Inside every tooth is a small space filled with soft tissue called the pulp – this includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected (often due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, or failed fillings), the pressure inside the tooth increases, which can cause pain and swelling.
Root canal therapy removes this inflamed or infected tissue and thoroughly disinfects the inside of the tooth. The cleaned space is then sealed to prevent reinfection.
Left untreated, an infected pulp can lead to an abscess, bone loss, or even systemic infection. But with timely treatment, we can often save the tooth and avoid extraction altogether.
Some people experience no symptoms at all, but common signs can include:
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Spontaneous or throbbing toothache
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Discolouration of the tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A pimple or boil on the gum near the tooth
Even if symptoms go away, it doesn’t always mean the problem has resolved. In some cases, the nerve has simply died. We’ll carry out a thorough assessment, including testing and X-rays, to determine whether root canal treatment is the right path forward.
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term option. Teeth are more than chewing tools – they’re connected to a complex system of ligaments and feedback mechanisms that help your brain sense pressure, balance your bite, and protect your jaw joints.
A root-filled tooth no longer has sensation, but it still retains this important periodontal feedback. Saving it also preserves the bone and prevents shifting of adjacent teeth, which can happen after extractions.
Root canal therapy is a delicate and detailed procedure, usually completed over 2–3 appointments, depending on the complexity of the tooth.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Diagnosis and Planning
We assess the tooth with a combination of tests and X-rays or 3D scans. We’ll talk through your options, explain the process clearly, and answer any questions you may have.
2. Anaesthesia and Comfort
We use modern local anaesthetics that are highly effective – most patients find the procedure comfortable and are pleasantly surprised. If you’re feeling nervous, let us know. We’re here to help.
3. Cleaning and Disinfection
We access the pulp chamber through a small opening in the tooth, carefully clean out the infected tissue, and shape the root canals using specialised tools.
We usually place a rubber dam – a small protective sheet – around the tooth to keep it dry and isolated. It’s not as scary as it sounds! It helps keep the area clean, reduces the chance of reinfection, and actually makes the process more comfortable for you.
4. Filling the Canals
Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, we fill them with a special biocompatible material and seal them off.
5. Protecting the Tooth with a Crown
Once a tooth has had a root canal, it often becomes more brittle and vulnerable to cracks – especially if it’s a back tooth doing a lot of chewing. In these cases, a crown is typically needed to strengthen and protect it long-term. We offer CEREC crowns on-site, so you can usually get your definitive crown in one visit, without any temporary crowns or gooey impressions.
Why Choose Switch Dental for Root Canal Treatment in Lower Hutt?
At Switch Dental, we focus on:
Accurate Diagnosis
Gentle, Precise Treatment
Conservative Approach
In-House Crown Options
Experienced Team
