Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment Can Save Your Tooth
Root Canal Therapy is necessary when the inside of the tooth and area around it becomes infected due to cracking, deep decay, or injury.
“Endodontics” is the area of dentistry dealing with root canals; it literally means inside the tooth.
Many of our patients appreciate root canal therapy afterward, as it relieves pain while saving their tooth, despite its bad reputation.
If you’ve been advised to undergo Root Canal Treatment, remove uncertainty and empower yourself by reading below.
Symptoms
Pain is usually the first sign of an infected tooth. This occurs when the nerves and pulp inside the tooth start decaying, often causing severe discomfort requiring immediate attention.
A diseased tooth pulp may lead to inflammation or infection. Symptoms include:
Unprovoked or spontaneous pain
Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
Pain when biting or chewing
Loosening of the tooth
Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
Oozing of liquid around the affected tooth
Facial swelling
Sometimes, tooth pulp can become damaged or diseased without visible symptoms. In these cases, the issue is usually identified through special tests or x-rays during routine dental check-ups.
Diagnosis
Our Port Melbourne dentist will assess your symptoms, examine your teeth, and conduct digital x-rays. These x-rays help determine the number, size, curvature, and depth of the roots, allowing for a well-planned root canal treatment.
Solution
The goal of root canal therapy is to save the tooth and prevent future infection, ensuring a strong, long-lasting solution. This involves:
Removing all damaged and decayed tissue inside the tooth
Cleaning and sterilising the area
Filling and sealing the space with advanced materials
The visible part of the tooth is then restored with either a dental crown or a complex filling, depending on the strength of the remaining tooth structure.
Book a Dentist Appointment Online Today!
Need a dentist appointment today near me? Our online dental appointment system makes booking easy. Whether you require a walk-in dental appointment near me, dental replacement, or a consultation for new dental implants, we are here to assist.
We also cater to families looking for a pediatric dentist around me or 24-hour pediatric dentist near me for urgent care.
Why Choose Root Canal Therapy Instead of Extraction?
Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is essential for overall health, wellbeing, and enjoying all types of food.
Although extracting a tooth may seem like a simpler option, it can lead to long-term complications, such as:
Spreading infection: An untreated pulp infection can lead to severe bacterial spread, potentially causing abscesses or bone loss.
Localised bone loss: The infection can spread around the ends of the root canal, leading to jawbone deterioration.
Loss of tooth functionality: Removing a tooth affects biting and chewing. Tooth replacements, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, may be required, which can be costlier and involve additional considerations.
An untreated tooth infection may also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, posing risks to overall health.
Why Choose Beacon Cove Dental?
We understand that choosing the right dentist near me is challenging. Here’s what sets us apart:
Comprehensive Care
From general dentistry to dental implant repair cost breakdowns, we provide all-in-one solutions
Advanced Technology
We stay ahead with the latest dental implant technology and innovative tooth replacement techniques.
Affordable Pricing & Payment Plans
Need cheap implants Melbourne? Our dental implant specials near me help make treatments more accessible.
Convenient Scheduling
Open weekends with dental clinic near me open now options for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possible Alternatives
We understand that choosing the right dentist near me is challenging. Here’s what sets us apart:
The Process and Timing
Root canal treatment typically requires multiple appointments over a few weeks, allowing for healing and external lab work for crowns. The standard process includes:
Local anaesthesia for a painless experience
Isolation of the affected tooth using a rubber dam to prevent contamination
Removal of decay and affected pulp using specialised instruments
Cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting of the root canals
Sealing the canals with advanced filling materials
Final restoration with a filling or dental crown for protection and strength
Cosmetic Considerations
A healthy tooth with intact pulp is typically yellowish-white. A pulp-free tooth may darken over time. Our dentists can discuss cosmetic dentistry solutions, such as veneers or teeth whitening, to maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Longevity of Root Canal Treatment
A well-performed root canal treatment can last for many years if you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups. Although the tooth is preserved, it may require a crown to prevent cracks or decay from developing in the future.
X-rays taken before and after treatment help determine success by monitoring bone regeneration.
Our Root Canal Expertise
Our success rate is high due to advanced training in endodontic treatment. Our practice utilises state-of-the-art tools, including:
Digital x-rays for accurate canal shape and depth assessment
Laser tools to effectively remove bacteria
Apex locators to ensure thorough root cleaning
High-quality sterile files for precise treatment
For complex cases involving twisted or deep canals, we refer patients to specialised endodontists for optimal results. Once treated, patients can return to our practice for final restoration.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following treatment:
A temporary crown or filling may be placed before final restoration.
Your tooth will regain strength and function.
Numbness from anaesthesia may last a few hours.
Mild discomfort or throbbing pain is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Any post-treatment concerns can be addressed during follow-up consultations.
Preventing Future Issues
Preventative care, including regular dental check-ups, x-rays, and professional dental cleaning, helps detect and address problems before they escalate.
Common causes of tooth pulp damage include:
Untreated tooth decay
Decay beneath an existing filling
Dental trauma
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Gum disease
Maintaining oral hygiene and attending routine dental visits can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing root canal treatment.
Understanding Tooth Structure
A tooth consists of dentine, a hard material forming its core.
Enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth’s crown.
The root anchors the tooth into the jawbone.
Pulp is the sensitive inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
A tooth can function without its pulp once fully developed, as surrounding tissues provide nutrients.
After root canal treatment, the tooth remains functional and can last indefinitely with proper care.
If you suspect an infection or need expert dental care, contact our Port Melbourne dentist today to discuss your treatment options and ensure a healthy, pain-free smile.
