Endodontics

Root canal treatment in Christchurch

Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth. When the soft tissue inside a tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected through decay, injury or trauma, a root canal is often the best way to relieve the pain and restore the tooth.

Gentle, modern treatment

We know the idea of a root canal can feel intimidating, but modern techniques make the procedure straightforward and comfortable. Our goal is to preserve your natural tooth while keeping you at ease every step of the way.

When might you need a root canal?

You may need root canal treatment if you have:

  • Persistent tooth pain, or sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a particular tooth
  • A tooth that feels loose or has darkened in colour
  • Cracks, chips or cavities that have caused significant damage

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to infection or an abscess, and eventually the tooth may need to come out.

What happens during a root canal?

  1. Diagnosis and comfort: we assess the tooth with modern diagnostics, and local anaesthetic means you feel no discomfort
  2. Cleaning the canals: the inflamed or infected pulp is gently removed and the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
  3. Sealing and protection: the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection, and in most cases a crown is placed to protect and restore the tooth

Why choose a root canal?

Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best option. Root canal treatment preserves the tooth structure, keeps your bite working normally and avoids the need for an extraction followed by an implant or bridge. If you have tooth pain or think you may need a root canal, don't wait. Get in touch and we'll see you as soon as we can.

Good to know

Common questions

Is root canal treatment painful?+
The tooth is fully numbed, so the procedure itself should not hurt. Most patients say it felt like a long filling. The tooth can be tender to bite on for a few days afterwards, which normally settles with ordinary pain relief.
Should I just have the tooth out instead?+
Extraction is cheaper up front, but replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge usually costs more than saving it, and nothing functions quite like your own tooth. We will go through both options honestly with you.
Can I have sedation for it?+
Yes. We offer oral and IV sedation, which suits people who are very anxious or who need a long appointment. Let us know when booking so we can allow the right time.
Book a visit

Talk to us about your teeth

Call the practice, email us, or send an enquiry through the contact page. We will talk you through the options and the cost before anything is booked.

ACC Registered WINZ Support SuperGold 10% Off Sedation Available

Book an Appointment

Open Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm, and Saturday 8am–5pm.

St Albans, Christchurch: 248B Cranford Street, St Albans, Christchurch 8052

Rangiora: 15 Ivory Street, Rangiora 7400