Root canal treatment, also known as root canal therapy, saves more than your tooth
Root canal treatment still has a bit of bad stigma around it. How this treatment is performed nowadays is that it’s usually no more painful than getting a filling. Although, it’s important to remember everyone’s pain threshold and oral health is different.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is the treatment of decayed root canals in the tooth. It takes multiple appointments and often is finished by placing a dental crown to protect the treated tooth. When we say treat the decayed root canals this involves removing the decayed pulp and dead nerves and replacing them with a special dental putty to maintain the structural integrity of your teeth.
Once the infected tooth pulp and nerves have been removed, your tooth is essentially dead. So, you shouldn’t have toothache post-treatment.
How is root canal therapy done?
It takes between 3 and 4 appointments to complete root canal therapy. The first appointment is when your tooth is assessed and a treatment plan is created. The treatment plan will show how many treatments you will require, and what to expect during treatment.
Your second appointment is when your dentist will start treating the tooth. Depending on how severe the infection is, you may require two appointments to complete clean and fill your infected tooth.
Once the infected tooth pulp and nerves have been removed, and the dental putty has been placed we will place a dental crown if necessary. The reason a dental crown is placed is to protect now the clean and infection-free tooth.
How do I know if I need root canal treatment?
Toothache is a good indication you may need root canal treatment. Other indications include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- Tooth hurting spontaneously
- Tooth pain when you chew or put pressure on the tooth
The issue with these symptoms is that they can also be symptomatic of gum disease. Although, gum disease has the added symptom of bleeding gums during brushing and flossing.
If you are experience one or more of these symptoms we strongly recommend you visit your dentist for a check-up. If it is gum disease, we offer gum disease treatment. If it is a problem with your tooth, and not your gums we will explain all your options to you and provide you with a cost estimate.
Root canal treatment or tooth extraction?
The longer you can keep your natural teeth, the better it is for your oral health. Teeth are important for your speech and digestion as well as:
- Health of your jaws
- Health of your gums
- Your bite
By treating a tooth with root canal treatment you clean out the infected dental tissue to prevent any serious problems from spreading into your jaw.
Tooth extraction
A tooth extraction is quicker than root canal treatment. And some patients don’t even require anaesthetic. One minute the tooth is there, then it’s not. Tooth extraction’s cheaper than root canal therapy too. But you only have one set of adult teeth. Removing a tooth can create oral problems because your jaw requires the tooth root for stimulation.
Once a tooth is removed the jawbone around that tooth root starts to atrophy. Teeth on either side of the gap start to shift which can give you a crooked bite and this can cause headaches.
Root canal treatment from Dream Smiles Sunnybank for patients in Brisbane
Don’t suffer from toothache unnecessarily—visit Dream Smiles for a check-up and we can help alleviate your dental pain. For more information, or to request an appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
During a root canal procedure, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring that you don’t feel pain during the treatment. While some discomfort or pressure might be experienced, especially when the anaesthesia is administered, the procedure itself should not be painful. In fact, the goal of a root canal is to alleviate the pain caused by the infected or damaged pulp within the tooth. After the procedure, some mild discomfort or sensitivity is common, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you’re concerned about pain or discomfort, discussing your worries with the dentist or endodontist beforehand can help address your concerns and ensure your comfort throughout the process.
Yes, in most cases, a dental crown is recommended after a root canal procedure. This is because a tooth that has undergone a root canal is often weakened and more vulnerable to fractures. A crown helps to restore the tooth’s strength, functionality, and appearance by providing a protective cover. It also helps to prevent future damage and ensures the tooth remains functional for biting and chewing. The dental team at Dream Smiles will discuss the most suitable crown options suited to your needs and guide you through the restoration process once the root canal is complete.
A root canal procedure involves numbing the area around a tooth with local anaesthesia, creating an opening in the crown to access the pulp chamber and canals, removing infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals, disinfecting them, filling with gutta-percha to prevent re-infection, placing a temporary filling, and later adding a custom dental crown for protection. Mild discomfort post-procedure can be managed with pain relievers, and follow-up appointments ensure healing. Root canals save teeth by removing infection and alleviating pain, with proper oral care and check-ups needed for long-term health.
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the condition of the tooth. Typically, a root canal takes between 60 and 90 minutes. In some cases, particularly for molars or more complex procedures, it may require a second visit. At Dream Smiles, our skilled dental team prioritises patient comfort while ensuring the procedure is completed efficiently. Utilising modern dental technology, we strive to minimise the time spent in the chair, providing high-quality care to help ensure the optimal outcome for your dental health.
Alternatives to root canal treatment depend on the specific condition of the tooth and the extent of damage or infection. Some alternatives may include:
1. Pulpotomy: Partial removal of the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, followed by a protective filling.
2. Apexogenesis: Encouraging the root to continue developing in immature teeth to avoid or delay root canal treatment.
3. Extraction: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary, followed by a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore function.
4. Monitoring: In some cases, a dentist may choose to monitor the tooth closely without immediate treatment if the infection or damage is minimal and not progressing.
Several signs might suggest the need for a root canal. Common symptoms include intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and tooth discolouration. You may also notice swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected area, a recurring pimple-like bump on the gums, or an injury to the tooth that has impacted the nerve. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to visit Dream Smiles for an evaluation and to discuss potential treatment options.
To prevent needing endodontic (root canal) treatment, follow these preventive measures:
1. Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings to detect and treat dental issues early.
3. Address dental problems promptly: Treat cavities, cracked teeth, or dental trauma promptly to prevent infection or damage to the tooth pulp.
4. Protect your teeth: Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to prevent dental injuries that can lead to the need for root canal treatment.
5. Avoid excessive pressure: Avoid habits like grinding or clenching your teeth, which can weaken tooth structure and lead to nerve damage.
By practising good oral hygiene habits and addressing dental issues early, you can significantly reduce the risk of needing endodontic treatment.
Leaving an untreated infected tooth can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, causing abscesses, severe pain, and cellulitis; potential bone infection; systemic infection affecting other body parts; risk of tooth loss due to damage to supporting structures; chronic inflammation impacting overall health; and compromised immune response. Addressing tooth infections promptly through dental care is crucial to preventing these risks, with treatment options such as root canals, extractions, and antibiotics depending on the severity of the infection.
Symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal treatment include:
1. Severe tooth pain: Persistent or throbbing pain, especially when biting or applying pressure.
2. Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed.
3. Gum tenderness: Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums.
4. Discolouration: Darkening of the tooth, which may indicate nerve damage or infection.
5. Abscess: A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth, often accompanied by drainage of pus or a bad taste in the mouth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist promptly for an evaluation.
