When people hear of “root canal treatment,” they may think of it as daunting or even a very complicated dental treatment. Amidst all that, root canal treatment is already a dental procedure that existed for decades, and has now become one of the most common treatments in the dental industry.
It may even be the solution to what you’re currently experiencing to help relieve pain and save your teeth.
If you are up for a root canal treatment procedure, understanding the process and knowing everything that you need to know about it may be able to ease your anxious mind.
Let’s hear it from our root canal treatment specialist!
What Is A Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth.
It focuses on removing the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), cleaning the inner tooth, and sealing it to prevent further damage or infection.
This treatment is often necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to:
- Deep decay caused by untreated cavities.
- Cracked or chipped teeth that expose the pulp.
- Trauma to the tooth.
In Australia, getting a root canal treatment procedure has a success rate of about 90 to 95%. This shows that root canal procedure is a viable option for patients to relieve pain, save their teeth, and restore their function, especially with proper care from a root canal treatment dentist or endodontist.
However, it’s still necessary to know if getting a root canal treatment is something you need.
How Do You Know If You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Telling your dentist you want a root canal treatment even without checking the condition of your teeth is not the way to go. However, there are some telltale signs that your root canal may need attention.
Here are the following symptoms:
- Persistent or severe toothache.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods that lingers.
- Swollen or tender gums around a specific tooth.
- A darkened or discoloured tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to see a root canal treatment specialist or endodontist in Toongabbie as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure: What You Can Expect in Every Step
Hearing about getting a root canal procedure may be terrifying, but understanding the treatment and what you can expect in each step may help relieve your anxiety. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis
Your dentist will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history to understand the problem better. An X-ray may also be requested to get a clear view of the affected tooth and the surrounding bone structure. This will help them assess the extent of damage or infection and decide the best course of action for your situation.
Step 2: Numbing the Area
Once it’s settled that a root canal treatment is the best possible solution for your case, you will officially start your treatment.
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the treatment. If you feel anxious, your dentist may also discuss additional options to help you relax, such as sedation or laughing gas.
Step 3: Removing the Infected Pulp
When the area is numb, the dentist will create a small access point in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using precise instruments, they will carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals.
Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping
After the pulp is removed, the dentist will thoroughly clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth and its canals. Specialised tools are used to shape the canals to ensure they can be filled effectively.
During this step, an antimicrobial solution may be applied to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of reinfection.
Step 5: Sealing the Tooth
Once the canals are clean and dry, your dentist will fill them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like substance is placed into the canals to seal them and prevent bacteria from re-entering. The access point in the tooth is then temporarily or permanently sealed, depending on whether further restoration is planned.
Step 6: Restoration
To restore the tooth’s full function and appearance, your dentist may also recommend placing a dental crown. The crown provides strength and protection to the treated tooth and prevents it from breaking or wearing down.
In some cases, a filling may suffice, but a crown is generally the preferred option for long-term durability.
Preventing the Need for Root Canal Treatment
While root canal treatments are common and are good for saving damaged teeth, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to maintain good oral health and reduce your risk:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens that could crack your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
Take the First Step Toward Saving Your Tooth
Root canal treatment is one of the best solutions to help save teeth that have been affected by infection or damage. However, we understand that many people still have a negative connotation when they hear about this.
That’s why we want to make sure that before you get one done, you are able to learn about what you need to know about the procedure through our root canal treatment specialist in Toongabbie. By understanding the procedure and working with a qualified root canal treatment specialist in Toongabbie, you can restore your oral health and maintain your natural smile.
Let us restore your oral health and maintain your smile with our dentists from Dentist Near Me Toongabbie. Experience compassionate care and comprehensive services every time you step foot in our clinic.
Contact us today to book a dental consultation with our dentists. Your journey to a healthier smile starts here!
