Root Canal Treatment
When someone has pain from tooth decay, a filling is usually recommended. But once a cavity reaches the nerve of a tooth, fillings are no longer effective. The restoration would only fill in the decayed area but not treat the source of the pain. The only other options are to remove the tooth altogether (which can leave a big gap and cause other issues) or a root canal procedure.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a specialised procedure that takes 2-3 visits to complete. Although more complex than a filling, it eliminates the source of your pain and allows you to keep the tooth for the long term.
During endodontic treatment, the tooth is thoroughly numbed. We then remove the area of decay along with the infected nerve. When the canal is cleaned out, we medicate the hollow chamber and place a filling material down into it to seal your tooth off from recurring infections.
After a root canal is complete, we recommend covering your tooth with a dental crown. The crown protects the now non-vital, brittle tooth enamel so that it doesn’t wear down or chip from everyday use.
Endodontic treatment is recommended in situations involving
- Severe tooth pain
- Abscessed teeth
- Deep areas of decay
- Previous tooth trauma (resulting in nerve death)
- A cracked tooth
We’ll want to take a small digital X-ray of your tooth root to determine the extent of the damage. Additional testing – such as temperature or pressure checks – may also be necessary. After your exam, we’ll consult as to whether a root canal is best for your individual situation.
Since tooth decay is a bacterial infection, it can spread deeper into the tooth or adjacent teeth. Treating it quickly helps prevent the spread. But once the cavity reaches the inner nerve chamber, the tissues inside of your tooth become infected or can abscess. At that point, a root canal is the only appropriate course of treatment.
If you had a traumatic injury to your tooth, such as an athletic accident, it may take up to several years before the nerve exhibits signs of tooth death.
It’s normal for some people to feel nervous, especially when it comes to slightly longer dental procedures. Your comfort is crucial to us. We have a variety of options available – ranging from happy gas to IV sedation – to help you relax.
You can expect your root canal treatment to feel similar to a filling, but just a little longer. Most of our patients usually tell us how comfortable the process is and often fall asleep during their appointment. Even if you don’t request sleep dentistry, you can enjoy our noise-cancelling headphones as you listen to music or watch a movie throughout the procedure.
Why Not Extract the Tooth?
A root canal extends the lifespan of your natural tooth. Removing it creates extra space in your bite, which can ultimately lead to shifting or movement in surrounding teeth. Over time, an unnecessary extraction could lead to the need for additional treatments, such as braces or dental implants.
For gentle root canals Moonee Ponds, request a consultation with our dentist.
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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.