Root Canal Treatment
At our practice, we have a preventative approach to dentistry and want to save your teeth where possible. Sometimes, a root canal can be the best solution to a damaged tooth and avoids the need for extraction.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure in which the diseased pulp tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed with a special filling material.
A tooth has two main parts: a crown portion and a root portion. Crown is the part of the tooth which is seen in the mouth and root is the part of the tooth which is inside the jawbone. Inside the crown and root there is a soft core of tissue known as pulp that contains blood vessels and nerves. In the crown, the pulp is present within a chamber called the pulp chamber and it travels down the length of the root to the tip (or apex) called the root canal.
When tooth decay has progressed far enough into the pulp you may have severe toothache, sensitivity to heat or cold, pain with biting or pressure, tooth discoloration, and swelling around the affected tooth. These symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal treatment where the pulp of a tooth is treated in an effort to maintain a healthy tooth. The aim of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that is severely damaged due to decay or injury.
Root canal therapy can be performed in one or more appointments and is performed under local anaesthesia. At our practice, our patients’ comfort is our number one priority. Your dentist will ensure you are feeling relaxed and comfortable every step of the way during your root canal treatment.
Next, your dentist will prepare the area and then remove the infection and bacteria on the tooth and in the chamber. The chamber is then cleaned, treated and sealed off.
The tooth is then restored with a permanent filling material and a dental crown for long term tooth protection. A crown works like a protective cap and sits over a weak or damaged tooth. This will help restore the tooth’s function and be much longer lasting compared to a filling alone.
After the completion of the root canal procedure, you may have some discomfort for a few days which can be controlled by over-the-counter pain medications. We will give you at after care instructions, so you know exactly what to do at home. Brush gently and try to avoid chewing on the area. It will feel sensitive for a few days while it is healing. If you have any questions following your procedure, call us on 02 9318 1972.
Book Your Root Canal Appointment Today!
Contact our team to book your root canal appointment in our comfortable and friendly practice. We accept all major health funds and have a HICAPs on-site for fast, on-the-spot claims.
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* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
