Root Canals
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a necessary endodontic procedure when the pulp — soft tissues inside the tooth — becomes inflamed or infected. There can be a variety of causes for these infections, including a crack or chip, deep decay, or a high number of dental procedures done on the same tooth. Injuries can also cause damage even if there are no visible cracks or chips.
Root canal treatment has the dentist use special instruments to get inside the tooth, carefully remove the infected tissues, sterilise the tooth’s interior, fill, and seal the tooth with a restoration.
Indications that a Root Canal May be Required
Several symptoms could imply that you may need a root canal. If you experience any of these, you should book an appointment at our dental practice immediately.
Heavy Pain While Chewing or Biting
A high level of pain while eating can indicate infection or injury in the tooth. It should not hurt when you bite or chew — even if an infected root canal does not cause it, one of our dentists should take a look and diagnose the issue.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Major Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Temperature sensitivities do not provide 100 per cent certainty that there is an infection within a root canal. Still, it is one symptom in a constellation that can let your dental team know that you may need a root canal.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Gum or periodontal issues may be associated with gingivitis or other health conditions, but it can also signify that a root canal must be done.
Deep Decay or Darkening of the Gums
When a tooth is injured or infected, it can sometimes cause the tooth to be subject to heavy decay. In addition, the gums around the tooth may turn a different colour — specifically, they may darken. Should you notice anything like this, be sure to give us a call right away.
Root Canal Procedures at The Bay Dental Practice
Our skilful precision and patient-focused approach will instil patient confidence and put you at ease during root canal treatment.
Diagnosis and Preparation
We will examine and take a radiograph of the affected tooth using X-rays to diagnose the infection. The dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to alleviate your discomfort. After the area is numb, we place a dental dam over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean during the procedure.
Cleaning and
Filling
Under a specialist operating microscope, we make an opening in the crown of the tooth. We use very small instruments to clean and sterilise the pulp and root canals and prepare the space for filling. Using a special rubber-like material called gutta-percha, we fill the root canals. It is then combined with an adhesive cement to ensure that we seal off the root canals completely. If the tooth lacks strength, we may place a post inside the tooth.
Sealing and
Protecting
We often seal the tooth with a temporary filling, as this treatment requires a bespoke crown to restore and protect the tooth.
Using our high-tech imaging tools, we collect a digital 3-D impression of your teeth with our intraoral scanner and send copies of images to the dental laboratory. They will manufacture a custom crown that fits the shape and size and matches the colour of your natural teeth. You will come back for a second appointment for us to remove the temporary filling and place your crown.
Patient Comfort is Always a Focus for Our Team
You may experience mild discomfort during a root canal, as with any dental procedure. We will give you freezing or numbing to manage the sensation during your treatment. After your root canal, you may notice that the tooth is sensitive for a few days, especially if there was any prior pain or infection. This sensitivity can be managed with medications if required.
Although it may take time, your treated tooth should eventually feel similar to your other teeth. If you experience major pain or pressure, please get in touch with our team.
Make an Appointment Today
Our patients know they are in excellent care at The Bay Dental Practice. We always put your needs at the forefront of the work we do. If you have any dental issues you would like looked at, questions about a root canal treatment, or you want to learn more about our practice, please get in touch.
