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Understanding the treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Even the idea of root canal treatment can seem a little daunting to people that don’t really understand what it is.

I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear though, that root canal treatment with today’s technology is not unlike getting a filling for some and can generally be completed in only a couple of sittings.

To understand root canal treatment you should first understand that there are four parts of every tooth:

  1. Firstly the enamel – this is the visible white, protective part of the tooth that is probably most likely to get damaged.
  2. Just below the enamel is the dentin – this surrounds the nerve, offering extra protection for the more sensitive part of the tooth.
  3. Beneath the layers of dental and dentine enamel is the dental pulp – the pulp is a soft tissue that contains the nutrients and nerves, creating feelings of hot and cold. The pulp is located in the root canal of the tooth and the tooth may contain single or multiple canals.
  4. Finally there’s the cementum that glues the root of the tooth in place.

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the dental pulp is infected. The cause of the damage can be due to:

  • Deep decay
  • Periodontal (gum) disease
  • Crack or fracture extending all the way to the canal
  • Repeated dental work that has weakened a tooth
  • Trauma such as sporting injury or heavy bite pressure such as grinding
  • Extreme wear of tooth surface.

Procedure:

  1. Your dental professional would generally administer the suitable local anaesthetic
  2. After wrapping the tooth in a thin rubber, the infected portion of the tooth and any debris would be removed
  3. The pulp would be removed from the inside tooth space and the canal of the root would be carefully cleaned and cleared of infection, then the surface smoothed
  4. Lastly the canal would be appropriately disinfected and dried

After these steps are followed, if the tooth is infection free it will be sealed with a long-lasting rubber and covered with a filling. where the damage is beyond a filling, the dental professional will likely recommend to cap the tooth with a crown in order to strengthen the tooth structure.

This step might need a few more appointments though depending if the root canal is free of infection, but your Family Dental Clinic – West End dentist will explain all this and more about your root canal treatment once you’ve given us a call and booked in your appointment with us.

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Frequently asked Questions

How do you know if you need a root canal?

You might need a root canal if you’re experiencing a severe toothache, heightened sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums or the presence of a gum abscess, tooth discolouration, prolonged pain after exposure to temperature or pressure, or if dental X-rays reveal signs of pulp damage or infection. These symptoms suggest potential issues with the innermost part of your tooth, the pulp, and a root canal procedure may be recommended by your dentist to treat and save the affected tooth, preventing the need for extraction and addressing the underlying problem. Consulting with a dentist is crucial if you experience any of these signs to determine the appropriate course of action for maintaining your oral health.

What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?

If an infected tooth is left untreated, it can lead to a range of serious complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, abscess formation, bone loss, tooth loss, sinus infections, systemic health risks, chronic pain, and the need for more extensive and costly treatments. The infection can impact overall health by compromising the immune system and might even lead to emergency situations. Seeking timely dental care is crucial to prevent these potential consequences and to address the infection before it escalates into more severe and challenging conditions.

What does a root canal procedure entail?

A root canal procedure is a dental treatment used to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. Here’s a concise overview of what it entails:

  • Diagnosis: The dentist assesses the tooth’s condition through X-rays and recommends a root canal if the pulp is infected or inflamed.
  • Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth.
  • Access: A small access hole is drilled into the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
  • Cleaning and Shaping: Special instruments remove infected pulp tissue and shape the canals.
  • Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material to prevent infection.
  • Sealing: The access hole is sealed with a filling or crown.
  • Recovery: Some discomfort may occur but can be managed with pain medication.
  • Follow-up: A follow-up appointment ensures proper healing and any necessary restoration.

Root canals save teeth and relieve pain caused by infection or damage. Consult your dentist for personalised advice.

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I received absolutely fantastic care from Dr. Georgio and his assistance today. Also was greeted by a very kind reception team. Thanks for the great work team, I look forward to coming back!

Tiana Cosmatos

Dr Kosta did great work on both my crowns and there was very little discomfort after the second one. Very happy with the service as well from the rece… Read More

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Dr George was very gentle and respectful to me. An absolute delight. He was also very thorough and efficient. He has become my dentist for the rest o… Read More

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A lovely family friendly practice – great communication from front desk staff and they are very pleasant to deal with. Dr Alice is so kind and patient… Read More

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