01Decay & fillings
Early decay doesn't hurt; by the time it's sensitive it is often quite deep. The decay is removed and the tooth filled to restore its shape and function.
Front (aesthetic) vs back teeth
Different materials are chosen for front and back teeth depending on position and needs.
02Protective base & soothing
For deep cavities near the nerve, a protective base is placed first to reduce sensitivity. If the tooth is very painful, a soothing clove-oil dressing calms the nerve first.
03Root canal treatment
When decay or a crack reaches the nerve, the tooth aches on its own, at night or when biting. Root canal treatment cleans out and disinfects the nerve, then fills and seals the canals to try to keep the tooth.
- 1
Open & remove nerve
The tooth is opened and the inflamed nerve removed.
- 2
Clean & disinfect
Canals are shaped with rotary files and disinfected; medicine may be left inside between visits.
- 3
Fill the canals
Canals are filled and sealed with heated gutta-percha.
- 4
Protect the tooth
Treated teeth become brittle, so a crown is usually recommended.
※ Root canal treatment usually takes 2–3 visits. Don't bite hard things on the tooth meanwhile.
04Whitening & basic procedures
Whitening uses a whitening agent, after an exam, to improve tooth colour. Results vary from person to person.
※ For 24–48 hours after whitening, avoid coloured food and drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine.
05Aftercare
After fillings and root canals
- Don't eat until the numbness wears off (about 2–3 hours)
- You can eat normally after a resin filling
- Don't bite hard things on a tooth during root canal treatment
- Contact us if you have severe pain or swelling