Root Canal Therapy
Fewer words are as scary to most dental patients than “you need a root canal.” Root canals are generally associated with pain, but it’s the pain of toothache leading up to the treatment rather than the treatment itself. The reality is that root canals are a common procedure that will not only eliminate toothache, but it will likely save your tooth in the process.
If you are in pain, you should know that dental pain is never normal, and it’s best to contact us sooner rather than later. The dentists at our Paddington, NSW dental clinic are experienced and gentle. We are glad to mention that at Paddington Dentistry, the most advanced equipment will be utilised for root canal treatment for patient optimum care and comfort.
The Root Canal Procedure
When a toothache goes from mild to unbearable - almost as bad as tmj jaw pain - chances are you have an infection deep within the root of your tooth. A root canal removes the infected material from your tooth root. Most people are pleasantly surprised after treatment that getting a root canal was no more complicated than having a cavity filled.
The procedure begins by numbing the area to be treated so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. When the area is fully anesthetized, your dentist will create a tiny hole in the tooth through which he will pull out the infected tooth pulp. Then he will thoroughly clean out the tooth root to ensure all of the infected material has been removed and plug it to prevent more bacteria from getting to the site.
In most situations, we recommend a dental crown placed on top of the remaining tooth structure. Without the living tissue in the tooth root, the tooth tends to become brittle and is prone to breaking. A dental crown will strengthen it so you can chew normally again.
We also offer sedation options to help get you through treatment comfortably. Please ask about them when you call to book your appointment.
The worst of your pain should subside immediately after treatment, although the area might be a bit tender for a few days afterwards.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
The primary benefit of root canal treatment is that we can probably save your tooth from extraction. Before modern dental technology was available, extraction was the usual treatment to eliminate a tooth infection.
A root canal will also prevent the infection from spreading to your other teeth.
With a root canal and a dental crown, your tooth will be stronger than ever, and it will function just as it did before you developed the infection.
If You Need a Root Canal
We invite you to contact our Paddington, NSW dental clinic if you are experiencing toothache and think you might need a root canal. There is no need to fear this tooth-saving procedure.
We look forward to eliminating your tooth pain and helping you feel comfortable again.
Been putting off seeing the dentist for root canal therapy because you’ve heard how painful it can be? Well, we’ve got some good news for you. The pain doesn't come from the treatment but from the condition itself — the infected root canal causes pain to radiate from the centre of the tooth. If it’s not treated promptly, the infection will spread to other areas of your mouth. Swift treatment will not only relieve the pain that you’re currently experiencing — it will prevent the condition from spreading and, in turn, future root canal pain.
Root canal procedure
Root canal therapy is an everyday dental procedure that our experienced, gentle dentists have performed hundreds of times. After numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, your dentist will make a very small hole in the affected tooth and remove the infected dental pulp (in the root canal). They will then clean and fill the root canal, before sealing the hole again to prevent further infection. We normally recommend a crown for this purpose, as it helps to strengthen the tooth and prevent future damage, though fillings are used in some instances.
Root canal treatment benefits
There are several very crucial benefits to root canal therapy:
- Saving your tooth — Prompt treatment can save a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. The more natural teeth you’re able to retain, the stronger the structure of your jaw will be, enabling you to chew normally and enjoy every meal.
- No more pain — Once the infected dental pulp has been completely removed and your tooth has been cleaned and sealed, your root canal pain will fade away quickly. It may take a few days to disappear completely, while you heal, but you’ll notice an immediate improvement as soon as the treatment has been completed.
- Preventing the infection from spreading — Untreated infections can spread throughout the root canal system, potentially leading to multiple teeth being damaged or lost. By having the infected pulp removed, you can prevent the bacteria from spreading and avoid the need for more extensive root canal therapy in the future.
So if you’re currently experiencing dental pain and you’re concerned about the possibility of a root canal infection, get in touch today and make an appointment to see one of our friendly, professional dentists. Acting quickly and seeing a dentist as soon as possible for root canal therapy can stop the infection in its tracks.
Every member of our team is fully qualified and experienced, taking an empathetic approach to the specialised and general dentistry procedures they perform. And if you experience dental anxiety, please enquire about our sedation dentistry; we can administer a sedative before the treatment starts, which will help keep you calm both before and during the procedure. All of our root canal therapy is carried out in our modern clinic in Paddington, NSW, using the latest equipment and techniques in order to minimise any discomfort you may feel.
