Endodontics

About

Endodontics is often referred to as root canal treatment. It involves the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease or injury in the ‘pulp’ (nerves and soft tissue) of the tooth.

If the pulp becomes infected, the tooth becomes painful and root canal treatment may be required. The Endodontics Specialist Support Unit at Sydney Dental Hospital provides this treatment.

Am I eligible?

Please check if you are eligible for care in the public oral health service by clicking here.

For more information on the eligibility criteria of specialist services please refer to the current NSW Health Policy.

How can I use this service?

Patients must first be seen by their local community oral health clinic. The clinic will write a referral to our department that asks us to provide the treatment you need.

What should I bring to my appointment?

To find out what you should bring to your appointment,click here.

How do I get there?

To plan your journey to the clinic click here to find the best way of getting here.

What to expect at your appointment

The First Appointment

Your first appointment will be for a consultation. This allows us to fully understand your problem and to talk with you about treatment. We will also learn about your general health and your oral hygiene (tooth cleaning) which may have an effect on any treatment we may do for you.

Options for treatment will be explained to you and a treatment plan will be worked out that both you and we are happy with.

Treatment may be completed over a number of visits. It is normal to feel some pain following root canal treatment and your Endodontist will explain after-care to you.
The treatment is not completed until a final filling or crown is placed. You will need to go to your referring dentist or prosthodontist (crown and bridge specialist) depending on what treatment is needed.

Who will I meet at my appointment?

You will meet your Endodontist (Specialist Dentist), and dental assistant. Your treatment may be completed by an Endodontist or a dentist supervised by a qualified Specialist Endodontist.

Sydney Local Health District Endodontic Access Scheme

Healthy teeth are an essential part of a person’s social, emotional and physiological wellbeing. Missing teeth can impact an individual’s ability to participate in social interaction and can reduce employment opportunities. Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) recognises the importance of managing the terminal effects of dental disease and trauma which may lead to a requirement for endodontic treatment of a tooth. Endodontic care is often challenging for patients of the public health service to access in a timely manner. The sooner that teeth with endodontic infections are treated, the more likely the treatment is to have long-term successful outcomes. The Sydney Local Health District Endodontic Access Scheme (SEAS) will allow eligible patients who have reached the top of the endodontic specialist waiting list to seek endodontic care with an appropriate participating practitioner within the private sector.

Further information, including how to become a provider of endodontic care through SEAS can be found here