Root Canal
Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of the tooth (the root canal system).

The aim of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that has been badly infected through decay or injury. The infection is removed from the pulp (soft tissue inside the root canal that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue). The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent further infection.

Symptoms:

Pain in the tooth can indicate that the pulp has been inflamed or infected. If left untreated, your tooth may need to be extracted. Most people prefer to save their tooth because it will function better than an artificial tooth. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate attention if you notice the following symptoms:

• pain when biting or chewing
• sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• swelling or soreness in the gums
• swelling in the face or neck
• nerve damage to a tooth caused by trauma
• tooth discolouration

Coogee Plaza Dental offers the highest quality root canal therapy using modern techniques and state of the art equipment. We provide excellent pain control for our patients through local anaesthetic, meaning the procedure should be no more unpleasant than having a filling.

Root canal treatment process

The procedure is time-consuming, needing a high level of skill and technique. The process will likely involve two or more visits to your dentist.

1^st appointment

At your first appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to determine suitability for root canal treatment. If you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, a local anaesthetic is usually given to completely numb the affected area.

To reach the pulp, an opening at the top of the tooth is made with a dental drill. Using special instruments called files, your dentist will remove all traces of inflamed or infected pulp. Each root canal is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, right down to the base of its root. The roots are then dressed with an antibacterial paste to prevent infection from coming back in the future. A temporary filling is placed in the part of the tooth that was drilled out and the tooth is left to settle.

Following appointments

In later visits, further cleaning of the root canal system may be required. The dressing may also need to be changed to clear up any infection. The tooth and gums are examined (further X-rays may be required) to confirm satisfactory healing. Once your dentist is satisfied that all infection has been cleared, the treatment is completed by applying a permanent filling and then later fitting a dental crown.

Root canal recovery

It’s important to look after your teeth during the initial settling in process. You should avoid eating hard foods until the treatment is complete. To assist healing you should continue to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular check-ups.

Root canal success rate

Success rates for root canal treatment are generally good. In about 9 out of 10 cases, you can expect a functional tooth after treatment. The treated tooth can last up to 10 years or more, provided you look after your tooth by maintaining good oral hygiene. 

If you are suffering from tooth pain and think you may need a root canal treatment, contact our friendly team at Coogee Plaza Dental to book an appointment. If your pain is severe, you may need an emergency dental appointment.