The goal of root canal therapy is to eliminate infection and preserve the natural tooth.
Root canal is treatment for damaged or infected teeth. During the procedure, a dentist clears away infected soft tissue or pulp within the root canal and preserves the natural tooth and jawbone integrity.
At Oral Square Dental Care Tarneit, our team are specialists in root canal therapy and can provide you with the highest standard of care. Our dentists will provide you with a thorough explanation of your treatment and answer any questions that you may have.
Contact Us on (03) 8368 2117 for an appointment.
When Root Canal Therapy is Necessary
Root canals are performed by dentists or endodontists who deal with the inside of the tooth, or what is known as the root or pulp. Pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue and can become infected due to decay, cracks, or chips in the tooth. When the dental pulp is damaged, bacteria can start to multiply inside the tooth.
Most people who need root canal treatment present with toothache, throbbing pain, temperature sensitivity in the mouth, or swollen gums.
A root canal is the preferred alternative to tooth extraction, which completely removes the infected tooth from the mouth. Saving the natural tooth can help preserve the alignment of the teeth; it also works better than a dental implant for biting and chewing.
A root canal dentist will clear the infected root canal to prevent the development of an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket around the tooth’s roots. This spreads the infection, which can lead to bone loss, issues in the face and head, and drainage into the skin.
How Root Canals Work
Root canal treatment is often the best way of saving a tooth. Replacing a lost tooth with an artificial one often needs more complex dental procedures.
Once your dentist has determined that an infected tooth requires a root canal procedure, you can expect the following:
- Initial consultation with your dentist
- X-rays are taken to examine where the decay has occurred and the shape of the roots
- A root canal procedure typically begins with local anaesthesia
- A rubber dam is placed in the mouth to keep the area dry and clean
- Your dentist will drill into the tooth to access the root
- The infected pulp is removed from the tooth
- The area is thoroughly flushed and cleaned
- Canals are filled using a rubber-like material called gutta-percha
- A temporary filling will be placed in the hole until your next appointment
- A follow-up appointment checks the progress of the tooth which is then filled and sealed permanently. Depending on the level of decay in the tooth, you may also need a dental crown or bridge to fully secure the remaining tooth