Our Endodontic Services
Coastal Dental Specialists are leading specialists in complex endodontic cases requiring an individualistic treatment approach. With over 23 years of experience, Dr Patrick Caldwell can assist with Specialist Endodontic Therapy, Microsurgical Endodontics and Dental Implants.
Specialist Endodontic Therapy
Management of Dental Trauma
Microsurgical Endodontics
Treatment Under Twilight Sedation
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(07) 5329 4555
Specialist Endodontic Therapy
More commonly known as Root Canal Therapy, Endodontic Therapy is a very successful way to treat a tooth which has seen significant damage due to disease, decay or trauma. It involves removing infected tissues found in the root of the damaged tooth and administering an antibacterial medication.
Microsurgical Endodontics
Sometimes a patient will present with an advanced or longstanding infection that won’t respond appropriately to Root Canal Therapy. In these instances, a specialty dental surgery known as an Apicectomy is performed to remove a very small (approximately 3mm) part of the root tip, along with any infected tissue before filling in the remaining tooth leftover.
Will I have multiple appointments?
Depending on the individual tooth and how it responds to the initial Root Canal therapy, you may need to return to the practice for a second appointment.
Is there an alternative to a Root Canal?
We always try to preserve the original tooth where possible, as it will function better than an artificial tooth. Endodontic Therapy allows us to do this, so it is a preferred treatment over extraction. However, there are alternatives, and your endodontist will always discuss these with you and recommend them if they feel the prognosis for your tooth is poor.
Is Endodontic Therapy a final solution?
Most of the time, yes. We recommend regular assessments in the years following a Root Canal to monitor the health of the tooth. In rare cases, complications may require further treatment or tooth extraction. Your endododontist will explain these possible complications to you before treatment.
What instruments are used to perform the surgery?
We use only state of the art technology to perform the procedure, typically including an operating microscope, endodontic specific 3D scanning, ultrasonics and bioceramic materials to provide the best possible recovery outcomes for the tooth.
What pain relief is offered for the procedure?
We utilise a local anaesthetic and perform the procedure with minimal patient discomfort. In more complex cases, you may opt for IV sedation. We will discuss these options at your appointment.
What if I am anxious about my surgery?
It is normal to feel anxious about a medical procedure and our aim is to make your experience as comfortable as possible. At Coastal Dental Specialists we offer twilight sedation for endodontic and/ or surgical procedures for patients who express fear, anxiety or nervousness about their procedure.
What are the benefits of twilight sedation?
Twilight sedation has an amnesic effect, which allows patients to relax and have their procedure performed while in a calm state. Most patients report having no memory of the process upon “waking up” and feel much more relaxed about their surgical experience.
Do I need to fast before having twilight sedation?
Yes. You will receive detailed information before your appointment, but as a general rule we require patients undergoing twilight sedation to fast for six (6) hours prior.
How is the sedation administered?
Twilight sedation is administered intravenously (IV) via a small plastic drip in your arm or hand. Thanks to our specialists, who routinely use dental intravenous for patients, inserting the drip causes minimal discomfort.
Will I be able to drive myself home after my procedure?
Unfortunately, no. Following the use of twilight sedation, we will ask you to remain at the practice for one hour (for monitoring) and you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up. We recommend resting for the remainder of the day.