Root Canal Treatment
Having root canal treatment/therapy (RCT) is often feared and associated with significant pain. In reality, a root canal is a solution to pain caused by other factors. Avoiding a root canal can prolong the pain you are experiencing and further damage your tooth.
When performed well and by a quality dentist, a root canal treatment should be no more painful than having a cavity filled. So you shouldn't fear having one or avoid visiting a dental clinic because of it.
Don’t live with dental pain from an infected tooth. Book an appointment online with our caring and highly skilled dentists today and experience a pain-free root canal.
When Is A Root Canal Needed
If you have a tooth with an infected or dead or pulp you will require root canal therapy. The cause of an infected or dead pulp is usually due to a cavity that has been ignored (poor oral health) or filled incorrectly. Bacteria can get deep into the tooth structure, affecting the blood supply and nerves (pulp).
Signs you need a root canal treatment from your Leppington dentist, include:
- Pus seeping from your gum underneath the tooth or adjacent teeth.
- Difficulties eating and chewing on the tooth.
- High sensitivity in the tooth to hot and cold.
- Spontaneous, intense pain that isn't related to eating or drinking.
- Severe pain in the tooth.
Rarely, you may not have any indication something is wrong until your dentist advises you otherwise.
The purpose of a root canal treatment is to eliminate bacterial infection inside the tooth and stop reinfection from occurring. Should you opt not to treat the tooth, the only other option is extraction and cosmetic dentistry such as dental implants, to fill the gap. Leaving the tooth in your jaw to rot puts you at risk of more serious oral health complications.
A root canal is usually diagnosed by x-ray in conjunction with percussion of the tooth (tapping), cold testing and a palpation check. Once your dentist confirms you require a root canal, a three-stage process will be started to save the tooth and remove the infection.
- Extirpation – Tooth is numbed and a rubber dam placed around it to keep it clear of saliva and to protect the mouth from the small tools used. The tooth is then opened and cleaned out thoroughly down to the roots using small files to remove the pulp entirely. The tooth is then filled with an antibacterial solution and a temporary filling placed on top.
- Instrumentation – Carried out 1-2 weeks after the first step, this stage is essentially a repeat of the first step. This double cleansing of the inside of the tooth by your dentist ensures no pulp remains behind. X-rays and measurements may be taken to ensure the entire length of the root has been cleaned out.
- Obturation – The tooth is irrigated with an antibacterial solution once more, then dried before the roots are filled. Often the roots will be filled with rubber points which expand when heated to completely seal the roots from further risk of infection.
A titanium support post may be placed into the root also for added strength in the tooth. A pre-prepared crown is then placed over the tooth.
Book your root canal appointment with Horizon Dental Care today and experience quality dental care, and pain-free treatment.
Horizon Dental Care
A Friendly Dental Team Headed By Local Dentists
Expert care by highly trained professionals that live in and know your community, our team offers continuity of care for you and your family. From infancy to your golden years, your Horizon Dental Care is invested in the lifetime of your smile.
Located in the new Leppington Village, you’ll find us on level one, accessible by lift or stairs. Ample parking is available on-site.
