Orthodontic treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is the procedure that aims to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the root canal of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth “vital”. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, the only way to avoid extracting the tooth is by performing root canal therapy.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is the procedure that aims to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the root canal of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth “vital”. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, the only way to avoid extracting the tooth is by performing root canal therapy.
When is Root Canal Recommended?
Root canal problems happen mostly due to deep cavities reaching the pulp (usually on back teeth) or from trauma/injury (usually on front teeth).
There are some signs and symptoms that indicate that a root canal treatment might be needed:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, that lingers after the stimulus has been removed;
- Spontaneous throbbing pain (when you’re not eating or drinking);
- Pain that doesn’t improve with medication and keeps you up at night;
- Tenderness when touching the tooth or chewing;
- Tooth becomes discoloured (dark/ gray discolouration);
- Swelling/ fistula on the gum;
- Abscess, pus draining through the gum
When is Root Canal Recommended?
Root canal problems happen mostly due to deep cavities reaching the pulp (usually on back teeth) or from trauma/injury (usually on front teeth).
There are some signs and symptoms that indicate that a root canal treatment might be needed:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, that lingers after the stimulus has been removed;
- Spontaneous throbbing pain (when you’re not eating or drinking);
- Pain that doesn’t improve with medication and keeps you up at night;
- Tenderness when touching the tooth or chewing;
- Tooth becomes discoloured (dark/ gray discolouration);
- Swelling/ fistula on the gum;
- Abscess, pus draining through the gum
How is Root Canal Treatment Done?
During a root canal procedure, the dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth, isolate the tooth with a rubber dam and then create an opening to access the pulp. The infected or damaged pulp is then carefully removed using special instruments, and the root canal is cleaned, disinfected and shaped to prepare it for a future filling.
Once the root canal has been cleaned and shaped, a medication is placed inside the canals and a temporary filling is used to close the access. The medication is usually left inside the canals for 2-4 weeks, before the roots are then filled with a definitive rubber-like material. This helps to prevent any further infection of the root canals.
What Happens after the Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treated teeth tend to be more fragile and more susceptible to fracture. For this reason, after root canal treatment a dental crown is usually necessary to protect the tooth and restore its function, especially on back teeth that suffer heavy load of mastication. A crown is a tooth-shaped, tooth-coloured porcelain cap that is placed over the tooth to protect it and provide support.
We have CEREC technology available for single-visit crown fabrication. With this technology, a porcelain crown can be custom-made and fitted in under 2 hours. (Click here to learn more about the CEREC technology)
What Happens after the Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treated teeth tend to be more fragile and more susceptible to fracture. For this reason, after root canal treatment a dental crown is usually necessary to protect the tooth and restore its function, especially on back teeth that suffer heavy load of mastication. A crown is a tooth-shaped, tooth-coloured porcelain cap that is placed over the tooth to protect it and provide support.
We have CEREC technology available for single-visit crown fabrication. With this technology, a porcelain crown can be custom-made and fitted in under 2 hours. (Click here to learn more about the CEREC technology)
Root Canal Treatment F.A.Q.
Is a root canal procedure painful?
Most of the times root canal treatments are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and strong anaesthetics available, the vast majority of treatments are comfortable and pain free.
Will I have pain after the root canal treatment?
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough to manage this discomfort. In some cases, prescription medications such as antibiotics may be necessary.
How long does the procedure take?
In most cases a root canal is performed in 2 visits. On average each appointment usually lasts between 60-90 minutes. The length of time varies dependent on the anatomy and complexity of the root canals.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
When you undergo a root canal or other endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth.
If you’re ready to start smiling more, come and visit us in our Sydney CBD dental clinic
