Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment – also known as an Endodontic Treatment or Root Canal Therapy – is a dental procedure that treats the infected pulp of your tooth. This procedure is designed to remove any decay or infected pulp and protect it from further infection and contamination.
If your dentist has recommended a root canal treatment for your infected tooth, our team of dentists can perform this special procedure for you. We can also help you determine your best root canal treatment alternatives (if any) and provide the right post-treatment solutions for keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
Common Root Canal Treatment Causes
Root canal treatment is often prescribed for those whose dental pulp has decayed because of:
Unfortunately, once this happens, a simple filling will no longer “fix” the tooth. Once the pulp has become inflamed or infected, you may experience continuous pain and discomfort, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food, tooth discolouration, and facial swelling. Sometimes you may have no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important.
How a Root Canal Treatment Works
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp and then cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the canal afterwards. This can take several appointments to complete. Sedative dressings and temporary fillings are placed inside your tooth between each visit to help settle the surrounding tissues and destroy bacteria.
Little or no pain is generally experienced during the procedure since your tooth will usually be anaesthetised (numbed).
Also, depending on the complexity of your tooth, we may recommend having your procedure completed by an Endodontist. An Endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional studies and training in this field. They are typically better equipped for complex cases and are more experienced in dealing with this field of dentistry.
You might experience some discomfort after an appointment because of an inflammation of the tissues surrounding your affected tooth. This can sometimes take a few days to settle and disappear. If you experience this, you can take a painkiller such as Ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort. If you experience severe pain, or if the pain continues for more than a few days, then you should call us immediately for advice.
Once the infected pulp has been fully removed, and all inflammation has gone down, the final step is to fill the roots of your tooth and seal them to prevent re-infection.
If your dentist has recommended a root canal treatment for your infected tooth, our team of dentists can perform this special procedure for you. We can also help you determine your best root canal treatment alternatives (if any) and provide the right post-treatment solutions for keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
Common Root Canal Treatment Causes
Root canal treatment is often prescribed for those whose dental pulp has decayed because of:
- Infection – The most common reason for needing Endodontic treatment is an infection. In most cases, the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the canal or channel that runs through the root of your tooth) has been damaged due to deep decay. This allows bacteria to reach it and settle inside.
Unfortunately, once this happens, a simple filling will no longer “fix” the tooth. Once the pulp has become inflamed or infected, you may experience continuous pain and discomfort, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food, tooth discolouration, and facial swelling. Sometimes you may have no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important.
- Repeated dental treatments – Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth can damage or weaken your tooth to the point that bacteria sets in the canal and develops into an infection.
- Crack or chip on your tooth – Bacteria can enter your root canal through a crack or chip on your tooth. When an infection develops, then it can settle and cause the dental pulp to become infected and decay.
- Face trauma – Face trauma that damages your teeth and its structure can cause bacteria to get through to your teeth’s root canal easily. It can also lead to a weakening of your teeth that make it more susceptible to infection and decay.
How a Root Canal Treatment Works
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp and then cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the canal afterwards. This can take several appointments to complete. Sedative dressings and temporary fillings are placed inside your tooth between each visit to help settle the surrounding tissues and destroy bacteria.
Little or no pain is generally experienced during the procedure since your tooth will usually be anaesthetised (numbed).
Also, depending on the complexity of your tooth, we may recommend having your procedure completed by an Endodontist. An Endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional studies and training in this field. They are typically better equipped for complex cases and are more experienced in dealing with this field of dentistry.
You might experience some discomfort after an appointment because of an inflammation of the tissues surrounding your affected tooth. This can sometimes take a few days to settle and disappear. If you experience this, you can take a painkiller such as Ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort. If you experience severe pain, or if the pain continues for more than a few days, then you should call us immediately for advice.
Once the infected pulp has been fully removed, and all inflammation has gone down, the final step is to fill the roots of your tooth and seal them to prevent re-infection.
