Fillings

Tooth structure and integrity can become compromised by decay which softens the tooth substance and results in a cavity. Other reasons why tooth structure can become compromised are due to tooth wear, cracks or breaks due to excessive forces during function or even trauma for example due to a knock to the teeth during an accident. A filling is used to build up a tooth to its original natural size and shape in order to revive the function and appearance of the missing tooth structure.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases, your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess (gumboil). An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.