Root Canal Treatment
Endodontic therapy, otherwise known as “root canal” treatment, is a restorative procedure that allows us to save teeth which might otherwise need to be extracted.
During your root canal, our dentists gently remove the infected nerve tissues inside of your tooth and seal off the open chamber left behind. Doing so eliminates the source of pain and the opportunity for reinfection.
What to Expect
The length of your root canal procedure will depend on which tooth is being treated. Some teeth have one root, while others have two or three. The shape of your teeth can also be a factor, as some have curved roots that require more attention.
It’s a common misconception that root canals hurt. In reality, endodontic therapy alleviates the source of your pain. The tooth and area around it will be numbed with local anaesthetic, allowing for maximum comfort throughout your procedure.
However, swelling can make it more difficult for anaesthetic to work correctly; you may need to take an antibiotic leading up to the appointment to lower the extent of the infection before starting treatment.
After creating an opening in the tooth, we remove the infected pulp tissues inside of the root chamber. Then the canal is cleaned, medicated and sealed off. Since your tooth is no longer alive, it will become brittle and prone to fracturing. We recommend having a crown made to protect your tooth, allowing you to use it as usual without the added risk of wearing down prematurely.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
We recommend endodontic treatment if you have a(n):
- Large cavity extending into the nerve
- A tooth with severe hypersensitivity or pain
- Active abscess
- Cracked tooth
- Traumatic injury
- Tooth that is reinserted after having been knocked out
Keeping You Comfortable
Our comfortable sleep dentistry options help you relax throughout your root canal treatment. Choose between happy gas or sedation administered by an anaesthetist for your next appointment.
Symptoms of Abscessed Teeth
An abscessed tooth is one of the most common reasons to get a root canal. A visible fistula (which looks like a small pimple) may be visible on the gums next to your tooth, with swelling coming and going. You may also notice a bad or salty taste in your mouth. We will need to take an X-ray to determine if there is an infection or cyst near the tip of the tooth root.
IT’S TIME TO GET OUT OF PAIN
You don’t have to put up with pain. Contact us today to request a root canal consultation.
* 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.