Root Canal Treatment

When an infected tooth is not treated, patients increase the risk of bacteria spreading past the tooth. As a result, the condition can reach the gum, bone and eventually into the bloodstream.

Dental abscesses are caused when an infection reaches past the tooth and into the gum, causing swelling and bleeding in the gums. Gum abscesses are extremely painful and jeopardize the health of your gums.

Tooth loss can also, unfortunately, occur due to neglected tooth infection.

Root canal treatment is a simple procedure, only requiring a crown to be placed to restore your tooth and protect the remaining structure. This process is less problematic and invasive than missing tooth options, which may include dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

If you’re experiencing severe pain, you must contact your nearest dentist to arrange an initial consultation to diagnose your oral health condition.

The procedure can cause some discomfort, but most patients report feeling only pressure and vibration during the procedure. After the procedure, the patient may experience some soreness and sensitivity, but these symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs.

In some cases, the tooth may be tender or sensitive for a few days after the procedure, especially if there was a significant infection or inflammation present before the root canal. However, this discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with pain medication.

It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the dentist to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Patients should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration (such as a crown or filling) is placed, and maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent infection and promote healing.

In general, root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth and alleviate pain and discomfort. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. If you have concerns about the root canal procedure or experience significant pain or discomfort, it is important to discuss these concerns with your dentist.

When dentists remove the infected tissue and clean the inside of your tooth, you’re safe from the risk of recurrence. If the infection has travelled far into the tooth’s root and the gum, complicated cases are referred to an endodontist specialist.

When an infected tooth is not treated, patients increase the risk of bacteria spreading past the tooth. As a result, the condition can reach the gum, bone and eventually into the bloodstream.

Dental abscesses is caused when an infection reaches past the tooth and into the gum, causing swelling and bleeding in the gums. Gum abscesses are extremely painful and jeopardize the health of your gums.

Tooth loss can also, unfortunately, occur due to neglected tooth infection.

The purpose of RCT is to remove an infection from within the tooth while avoiding threatening the tooth. When our dentists perform RCT, we remove the infected, damaged pulp while leaving the tooth in place. With proper care, a treated tooth will last a lifetime! Dentists aim to help save your natural tooth, with extractions being a last resort.

Patients often experience pain during treatment, usually caused by a tooth infection. As a result, the general public has a perceived fear of root canal therapy causing discomfort, while the source of the pain is the infection. All professional dentists want to prevent causing hurt to a patient as much as possible. Local anesthesia is applied for the patient to minimize any sensation felt.

There might be other issues that can cause patients tooth pain, which are diagnosed during a consult from your nearest dentist.

Root canal therapy is often claimable under private health insurance. At Amazing Smiles, our dedicated dental team can assist you in understanding what is claimable with your private health coverage. Here are some common item codes associated with root canal therapy that may be eligible for reimbursement:

Root Canal Therapy Item Numbers (numbers may differ based on patients’ needs):

• 415 Root canal treatment for anterior tooth (front tooth)
• 416 Complete chemo-mechanical preparation of root canal
  – each additional canal
• 417 Root canal treatment for premolar tooth
• 418 Root canal treatment for molar tooth
• 419 Extirpation of pulp or debridement of root canal(s)
• 421 Resorbable root canal filling – primary tooth
• 431 Periapical curettage – per root
• 432 Apicectomy – per root
• Retreatment
  • 453 Removal or bypassing fractured endodontic instrument
  • 455 Additional appointment for irrigation and/or dressing of root
    canal system – per tooth

Please note that item codes and coverage can vary depending on your insurance policy. We recommend contacting your private health insurance provider or speaking with our knowledgeable dental team to verify your plan’s coverage details for root canal therapy.

An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. They undergo additional years of specialized training after completing dental school to become experts in endodontic procedures such as root canal treatments, dental trauma management, and related procedures. They work closely with general dentists to provide comprehensive dental care to patients.

While endodontists primarily specialize in endodontic treatments, they typically do not perform general or cosmetic dentistry procedures. Therefore, they do not perform services such as cleanings, fillings, veneers, orthodontics or extractions. Their expertise lies in diagnosing and treating complex cases involving the dental pulp and root canals. General and Cosmetic Dentists often refer patients to endodontists when specialized treatment for root canals or related issues is needed. In return, an Endodontist then refers patients to or back to their previous dentist.

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease (gum disease) and placing dental implants.

They receive advanced training in treating oral inflammation and are experts in the health of the teeth’s supporting structures, such as the gums, bone, and ligaments.

Periodontists also manage more complex cases of periodontal disease, including advanced periodontitis, and perform various procedures such as:

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
• Gum grafting (to treat receding gums)
• Bone grafting (to regenerate lost bone support)
• Dental implant placement
• Crown lengthening (for cosmetic or functional purposes)

They work closely with general dentists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive oral care, especially for patients with severe gum disease or those needing reconstructive treatments.

Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure often used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). It involves thoroughly cleaning the roots of the teeth to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial toxins that have accumulated below the gumline. This is typically done when the gums have started to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive.

Root planing smooths the root surfaces, making it more difficult for bacteria to reattach, and allows the gums to heal and reattach more securely to the teeth. It is usually performed alongside scaling, where the dentist or hygienist cleans the surfaces of the teeth above the gumline.

The procedure is often done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and it’s essential for stopping the progression of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. After root planing, patients may experience some tenderness and sensitivity but will typically notice improved gum health over time.

Root scaling, often performed alongside root planing, is a dental procedure that involves the thorough cleaning of the teeth above and below the gumline.

Specifically, root scaling targets the removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial deposits from the surfaces of the teeth, especially beneath the gums in areas that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.

Here’s a quick breakdown of root scaling:

1. Surface Cleaning: Scaling focuses on scraping off the hardened tartar from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth.
2. Below the Gumline: The procedure cleans the areas below the gumline, where bacteria can accumulate and cause inflammation and infection, leading to gum disease.
3. Deep Cleaning: The scaling process helps eliminate the plaque buildup that can cause gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria thrive.

Root scaling is often done using hand instruments or ultrasonic tools and is key to managing and preventing periodontal disease. It is typically done under local anesthesia, especially in severe cases, to ensure patient comfort during the cleaning.

After the procedure, patients might experience temporary sensitivity or tenderness, but the treatment helps prevent the progression of gum disease and promotes healthier gums.