If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how excruciatingly painful the whole experience can be. The pain can be so bad that it interferes with your daily activities and prevents you from enjoying the things you love. When over-the-counter medication doesn’t provide relief, you may need to see a dentist. In some cases, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed worldwide. It is estimated that over half a million Australians have root canal treatment each year. The procedure is used to treat teeth that are infected or badly damaged.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure used to treat teeth that are infected or badly damaged. The goal of the procedure is to remove the damaged tissue, clean the area, and then seal it to prevent further damage.
Root canal treatment is usually performed by a dentist or an endodontist, which is a specialist in this type of procedure. The procedure can be performed in one or two visits, depending on the severity of the damage.
Root canal treatment is usually performed by a dentist or an endodontist, which is a specialist in this type of procedure. The procedure can be performed in one or two visits, depending on the severity of the damage.
Why Would I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment due to many reasons. The most common reason is because of an infection. When a tooth is infected, it can cause severe pain and swelling. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body if it’s left untreated.
Another common reason for root canal treatment is if the tooth has been damaged by trauma or decay. If the damage is severe enough, it can expose the inner pulp of the tooth, which can lead to an infection.
Lastly, root canal treatment may also be recommended if you have had dental work in the past and there is an infected or inflamed nerve in the tooth.
What Can I Expect During Root Canal Treatment?
Your dentist will start by numbing the area around the tooth with local anesthesia. Once you’re numb, your dentist will make an opening in the tooth so they can access the pulp chamber and root canal(s). The next step is to remove the damaged tissue from inside the tooth. This includes removing any bacteria, debris, and dead tissue. Once this is done, your dentist will clean and shape the inside of your tooth so it can be sealed properly. Once your tooth has been cleaned and shaped, your dentist will fill it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. They will then seal off the opening with a temporary filling until your permanent restoration (crown) can be placed. In some cases, your dentist may place a crown on your tooth at the same time as your root canal treatment to protect your tooth from further damage down the road. They’ll then schedule you for a follow-up appointment to check on how you’re healing and make sure everything looks good before giving you the all-clear sign!
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used to treat teeth that are infected or badly damaged. The goal of root canal treatment is to remove any damaged tissue, clean out the area, and then seal it to prevent further damage from occurring. Root canal treatment usually takes one or two visits to complete depending on how severe the damage is. If you think you may need root canal treatment or have any questions about the procedure, give us a call at 1300 180 555 or book a free consultation here!
