Root Canal Treatment: What do I need to know?
The phrase “root canal” brings fear to the heart of some of our bravest patients.
But at My Local Dentists Northmead, we are here to tell you that this need not be so.
A root canal treatment is a noninvasive procedure that relieves pain and damage to a tooth.
Let’s look at the root canal and why it can be an excellent treatment.
What is a root canal?
To understand a root canal procedure, knowing a little about the tooth’s structure is good.
The pulp is a soft tissue in the tooth’s centre, concealed by the exterior enamel and a hard coating known as ‘dentin’.
The pulp holds nerves and blood vessels, and the pulp is necessary to develop the tooth as it grows.
The pulp reaches from the root’s end to the tooth’s crown. Although the pulp is necessary for tooth development, it is not required for a mature tooth. A root canal is the removal of this pulp.
What makes a root canal necessary?
If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, endodontic treatment becomes necessary.
The infection or inflammation has various causes – deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, chips, or traumatic injury to the tooth.
Pain or an abscess may follow if this infection or inflammation is untreated.
What are the symptoms?
There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal:
- Extreme pain while biting or chewing
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Lingering or unusual sensitivity to hot or cold, even after hot or cold is no longer present
- Tender or swollen gums
- Pimples on the gums
- Darkening or deep decay of the gums
How does root canal treatment save a tooth?
Removing the pulp also eliminates the inflammation and infection.
The dentist uses various tools to remove the pulp, clean and shape the interior of the now-empty root canal, and then fill the space and seal it.
You will see a dentist soon after, and they will restore the tooth to its original state and protect it by placing a crown or other treatment on it.
Root Canal Treatment Process in Northmead
The process usually takes one or two visits.
The first step is examination and X-ray to determine the case’s facts. Then, anaesthesia is administered, and once you are numb, a “dental dam” is used to isolate the tooth. This keeps the tooth clean and free of saliva.
The following procedures are included in endodontic therapy, which is frequently completed in one or two visits:
The dentist makes an opening through the tooth’s crown. Specialised tools form the cavity for filling and removing pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals.
The dentist then opens the top of the tooth and uses minimal tools to clean the pulp from the root canal and pulp chamber. At the same time, the space is shaped for optimal filling.
Once space is prepared, the root canals are filled, usually with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material. The gutta-percha is bonded in place, and a temporary filling closes the opening.
At your next trip to the dentist, your dentist removes the temporary filling before restoring the tooth with a crown that restores your tooth to its full function, while also protecting it.
Is it painful?
Anaesthesia means it isn’t, and many endodontic procedures, including the root canal, are performed to relieve a tooth’s pain. You should be relaxed and comfortable during the process.
There may be some discomfort after the procedure, but this can be relieved by over-the-counter or prescription medicine in severe cases.
Your tooth may feel odd for a few days after your procedure, but this feeling disappears. If you experience severe pressure or pain, or pain that lingers, give your dentist a call!
Aftercare
The main thing is to follow all of your dentist’s instructions, including avoiding hard or chewy foods, brushing your teeth twice daily, and generally being cautious with the area near the root canal.
Dental Care in Northmead
My Local Dentists Northmead is your trustworthy Northmead dentist. The appearance of your smile and its underlying health are vital to us.
Our professionally trained staff treats all dental issues, including complicated problems related to other health conditions.
We know that visiting the dentist can be quite daunting to some patients, and adding the word “root canal” can be frightening.
But we are here to reassure you and listen to any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment.
Our commitment to our patients is optimal dental health and a stunning smile.
We make life a little bit easier for our patients by offering late hours on weekdays and weekend appointments.
Call us on (02) 9630 9996 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.