Root Canals
When is root canal treatment required?
Dental Root Canal Dural. If you are experiencing tooth pain when chewing, prolonged sensitivity in the tooth (especially too hot or cold temperatures), discolouration on the tooth, or swelling or sensitive gums, you may have a root canal infection. Root canal infections most often occur when a tooth’s pulp has deep decay, a tooth undergoes multiple dental procedures or large fillings, or if a tooth has a crack, chip, or other trauma. If you have a tooth infection, our dentist at Saints Dental Care will talk you through the options and course of treatment to get you back to full health and comfort.
Root Canal is the procedure where the dentist saves a tooth by removing the nerve from the tooth that is badly decayed and or broken. When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. If left untreated, it can infect the tooth and cause an abscess followed by bone loss, pain and swelling.
How is the root canal therapy done?
A root canal is a complex process that involves a number of steps. Prior to beginning the actual root canal procedure, the dentist will administer the appropriate anaesthesia to ensure that you feel entirely comfortable throughout the procedure. Then the dentist goes through the following steps:
- Opening Is Created. The dentist places a rubber dam on the tooth to keep it clean and dry. Then they create an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp.
- Tooth Is Disinfected. With the assistance of high magnification, the specialist uses a combination of solutions and small instruments to remove the bacteria and debris.
- Pulp Is Removed. The pulp is removed using specially designed instruments
- Canals are Shaped and Cleaned. The dentist begins shaping and cleaning the canals.
- Roots Are Filled. Next, the dentist then fills the canals with permanent root canal filling material.
- Temporary Filling. Lastly, the crown of the tooth is filled with a permanent filling, and later a crown is issued.
Steps Involved In Root Canal Therapy
Depending on the severity of your case, a root canal treatment will take three appointments, lasting about 60 minutes each.
How painful is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment has a reputation of being painful. However, patients at Saints Dental Care often report little to no pain. The procedure may feel similar to a filling or crown placement. If you’re concerned about your root canal treatment, talk with us. We have medication and sedation options to put your mind at ease, and we will work to answer all your questions, ensuring you know exactly what to expect going into your root canal treatment.
How long does it take to heal from root canal treatment?
After root canal treatment you can expect to return to your everyday activities the very next day. The tissue around the treated area will feel sensitive for up to a few days, depending on the severity of the infection. Patients generally only experience mild pain during the days following a root canal.
Is it possible to avoid root canal treatment?
Yes and no.
Once you have a root canal infection, it will not go away on its own. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible if symptoms occur. Early intervention will help prevent the infection from becoming worse. If left untreated, the infection can reach the tooth’s roots or the jaw bone and further complications can occur.
However, the only way to avoid root canal treatment altogether is by not getting an infection in the first place. The best way to prevent infection is to maintain regular dental hygiene. We recommend doing the following daily:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Using Mouthwash
- In addition, be sure to visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
For further information from the Australian Dental Association CLICK HERE
Will root canal treatment last forever?
While every patient’s oral health is different, root canal therapy is a highly effective and routine treatment for root canal infections. Sometimes, a non-surgical root canal treatment might not get to the site of infection because it is located further down towards the root of the tooth. In these cases, root canal surgery may be a better treatment option to treat the infection directly through the root.
Dental Root Canal in Dural
For more information on or to make an appointment call us on 02 9651 5334 or email us on our CONTACT PAGE.
