Prof Chankhrit Sathorn, Specialist Endodontist

Prof Chankhrit Sathorn is a specialist endodontist who sees patients at Collins Street Specialist Centre, Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne. He treats problems inside the tooth, such as an infected or inflamed pulp, and the tissues at the tip of the root. Alongside clinical practice he holds an academic appointment as Adjunct Professor of Endodontics at La Trobe University, and his research centres on evidence-based endodontics. To book, phone our team on (03) 9650 2726.

What are Prof Sathorn's qualifications?

The qualifications shown on our team page are DDS, Grad.Dip.Dent, DClinDent, PhD, MRACDS (Endo):

• DDS: his dental degree, completed in Thailand.
• Grad.Dip.Dent: Graduate Diploma in Dentistry.
• DClinDent: Doctor of Clinical Dentistry, the specialist endodontic training he completed at the University of Melbourne.
• PhD: a research doctorate, also from the University of Melbourne.
• MRACDS (Endo): membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the special stream of endodontics.

What is Prof Sathorn's academic background?

Prof Sathorn combines patient care with university teaching and research. Before his current role at La Trobe University he was Adjunct Associate Professor of Endodontic Research there. At the University of Melbourne he was convenor of the predoctoral endodontics course and of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry.

His research looks at how well different endodontic treatments work and how efficiently they achieve their aims, using systematic reviews that pool the findings of many studies. On the strength of his published research he received the Ernest Joske Research Award, given for work that makes an important contribution to dental science.

He has been an invited speaker at national and international endodontic congresses, including meetings of the ASE, ADA, IFEA and ESE. He regularly runs a postgraduate endodontic seminar on how to read a research paper critically, and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Endodontics, International Endodontic Journal, Dental Traumatology, New Zealand Dental Journal, Journal of Dentistry and European Journal of Dentistry. His private practice is limited to endodontics, in Melbourne and Sydney.

What does an evidence-based approach mean for patients?

In practice, it means treatment recommendations are weighed against published research on how teeth respond to each option, rather than habit alone. When Prof Sathorn discusses whether to treat, re-treat or remove a tooth, he can explain what the research suggests about each path and the factors in your own tooth that may change the picture. Outcomes still vary between individuals, and he will be open about the uncertainties.

Which treatments does Prof Sathorn provide?

Endodontic treatment at our practice covers root canal treatment, re-treatment of teeth treated before, endodontic surgery, internal whitening, management of cracked teeth and treatment of teeth injured in an accident. Prof Sathorn assesses the tooth with X-rays and, where needed, 3D imaging, and then talks you through the options. See our endodontics page for an overview of each treatment.

How can I confirm Prof Sathorn's registration?

Prof Sathorn is listed with specialist registration in endodontics. You can look up any dental practitioner on the public register at ahpra.gov.au to see their current registration and any conditions.

Getting ready for your appointment

Please bring X-rays, scans or letters from your dentist, details of any earlier treatment on the tooth, your medical history and medicines, and your health fund card. Questions worth asking include what is causing the problem, what the evidence says about the options for your tooth, and what restoration the tooth will need afterwards.

Who else practises endodontics here?

Prof Sathorn shares the endodontic service with Dr Gregory Tilley, Dr Aovana Timmerman and Dr Areti Vrochari. Our prosthodontists and periodontists practise on the same floor, so plans that involve more than one specialty can be discussed between colleagues.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask for Prof Sathorn by name when I call?

Yes. If you would like to see Prof Sathorn in particular, tell our team when you phone and we will look for an appointment with him. If timing matters more to you, we can explain the availability of each of our four endodontists so you can choose what suits you.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Root canal treatment is carried out with local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the area around it. Afterwards the tooth and nearby gum can feel tender for a few days. Experiences differ, so Prof Sathorn will explain what to expect for your tooth, how to manage any discomfort and when to contact us.

Why might a tooth need a crown after root canal treatment?

A tooth that has lost a lot of structure through decay or fracture can be more likely to crack once treated. A crown or other covering restoration helps protect it. Prof Sathorn will advise on this and can coordinate with your dentist or one of our prosthodontists.

Do I need my dentist's permission to see Prof Sathorn?

No. Our published guidance is that you can book with our specialists without a referral. If your dentist has records of the tooth, bring them, as they help Prof Sathorn see how the problem has developed.

Related pages

• Endodontics
• Our team
• Why choose us
• Our technology
• Payment plans
• Contact us

Collins Street Specialist Centre at a glance

• Registered specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry, in one practice.
• Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets.
• No referral needed to book.
• Payment plans through Payright, TLC and Supercare, subject to eligibility.
• Call (03) 9650 2726 or email theteam@collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au.

Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre

Every patient is different, so results, recovery times and potential risks vary from person to person. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for a consultation. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before proceeding with treatment.