Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment, or root canal therapy, is a dental procedure for treating an infected or damaged tooth pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them with a biocompatible material. The procedure is done under local anesthesia to numb the area.
The dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. After removing the infected pulp, the tooth canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare for filling.
The dentist then fills the canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, and seals the tooth with a temporary filling. To protect the tooth and restore its function, the dentist often recommends a permanent restoration like a dental crown.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and can save a tooth from extraction.
Some common signs that a tooth may require root canal treatment include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or a visible abscess or bump on the gums.
After the treatment, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure the success and longevity of the treatment.
Stages of root canal treatment
At Amazing Smiles Restorative Dental, we understand that root canal therapy can sound intimidating. As a result, our team is here to provide gentle and comforting treatments that prioritize your comfort and oral health. With our expertise in root canal therapy, we aim to preserve your natural teeth and keep you smiling. Our trusted local dentists utilise the latest techniques and technologies to ensure soft and effective treatment.
Diagnosis
Step 1
Anesthesia
Step 2
Access
Step 3
Cleaning and shaping
Step 4
Filling
Step 5
Restoration
Step 6
Diagnosing Damaged Pulp
When a tooth becomes painful or overly sensitive, dentists carefully investigate whether the tooth pulp (the soft inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) is damaged or infected. Diagnosis begins with a thorough oral examination for visible signs such as swelling, cracks, or cavities. Dentists will also ask about symptoms like sharp toothaches, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort when chewing.
To confirm the diagnosis, dental X-rays are commonly used to reveal infection, abscesses, or bone changes around the tooth root. Occasionally, pulp vitality tests are performed, using temperature changes or a gentle electrical stimulus to check if the tooth’s nerve is still alive. By combining these methods, dentists can accurately determine the health of the pulp and create a personalised treatment plan, often recommending root canal therapy to save the tooth and prevent further complications.
Early diagnosis of pulp damage relieves pain and helps preserve your natural teeth, protecting your oral health in the long run.
Root Canal Therapy To Help Stop Tooth Pain!
If you’re suffering from a severe toothache, ongoing sensitivity, or swelling around a tooth, root canal therapy may finally relieve your pain. Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed pulp inside the tooth, cleaning and sealing it to prevent further infection.
Root canal therapy stops discomfort, helps maintain proper chewing function, protects surrounding teeth, and restores your smile’s health by preserving the natural tooth. Modern techniques make the procedure safe, effective, and far more comfortable than most expect. If tooth pain affects your daily life, visiting a dentist for root canal therapy can be the key to saving your tooth and enjoying lasting relief.
Dental Root Canal Treatment To Prevent Tooth Loss
When tooth decay or infection reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, it causes severe pain. When left untreated, it may eventually lead to tooth loss. Dental root canal treatment is a highly effective way to save a natural tooth by removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning the root canals, and sealing the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Root canal treatment helps stop pain and infection, avoiding needing extractions or costly tooth replacements. With modern dental techniques, root canal therapy is comfortable, safe, and helps ensure long-term oral health by preventing future complications. Choosing timely root canal treatment can distinguish between keeping your natural tooth and losing it.
What are the benefits of root canal therapy?
Neglecting an infected tooth increases the risk of bacteria spreading to the gums, bone, and bloodstream. This can lead to dental abscesses, which cause painful swelling and bleeding in the gums and may result in tooth loss.
Root canal treatment is a straightforward process that saves the tooth and only requires a crown for protection. This option is less invasive than alternatives like dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, contact your dentist immediately for an initial consultation to assess your oral health.
Does root canal therapy hurt?
The procedure may cause some discomfort, primarily felt as pressure and vibration. Afterwards, soreness can occur but is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. If there’s significant infection or inflammation, tenderness may last a few days but is generally mild.
It’s important to follow the dentist’s post-operative instructions, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until its final restoration, and maintain good oral hygiene. Overall, root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to save an infected tooth and relieve pain, with minimal discomfort for most patients. If you have concerns or significant pain afterwards, consult your dentist.
Is root canal therapy safe?
Dentists remove infected tissue to prevent recurrence, referring complicated cases to an endodontist. Untreated infections can spread to the gum, bone, and bloodstream, leading to dental abscesses that cause pain and swelling. Neglecting tooth infections may also result in tooth loss.
Can root canal treatment save a tooth?
RCT aims to remove infection from within the tooth while preserving it. Dentists remove the damaged pulp but keep the tooth intact. With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime! Saving your natural tooth is the priority, with extractions being a last resort.
Does a root canal make your tooth stop hurting?
Patients often fear root canal therapy due to the pain associated with tooth infections. This discomfort is mainly from the infection itself, not the treatment. Dentists strive to minimise pain by using local anaesthesia. Other causes of tooth pain can be identified during a consultation with your dentist.
Can I use private health to cover the cost of my root canal treatment?
Root canal therapy is typically claimable under private health insurance. Here are some common item codes for root canal therapy that may qualify for reimbursement:
- 415: Root canal treatment for anterior 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
- 453: Removal or bypassing fractured endodontic instrument
- 455: Additional appointment for irrigation/dressing of root canal system – per tooth
Coverage and item codes may vary by insurance policy.
At Amazing Smiles, our dental team can help you understand what your coverage includes.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats issues related to the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding tooth roots. After dental school, they undergo additional training to become experts in procedures like root canals and managing dental trauma. They collaborate with general dentists to provide comprehensive care.
Endodontists do not perform general or cosmetic dentistry services, such as cleanings, fillings, veneers, orthodontics, or extractions. They focus specifically on complex cases involving the dental pulp and root canals. General and cosmetic dentists refer patients to endodontists for specialised treatments, and endodontists may refer patients back to their general dentist afterwards.
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease (gum disease) and placing dental implants. They are trained to handle oral inflammation and are experts in the health of gums, bone, and ligaments.
Periodontists manage complex cases of periodontal disease, including advanced periodontitis, and perform procedures such as:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- Gum grafting (for receding gums)
- Bone grafting (to restore lost bone)
- Dental implant placement
- Crown lengthening (for cosmetic or functional needs)
They collaborate with general dentists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care, particularly for patients with severe gum disease or those needing reconstructive treatments.
What is Root Planing?
Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure for treating gum disease (periodontitis). It involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins below the gumline, especially where gums have receded. This process smooths root surfaces, preventing bacteria from reattaching and allowing gums to heal. It is usually performed alongside scaling, which cleans above the gumline, often under local anesthesia to minimise discomfort. Root planing is essential for stopping gum disease progression, which can lead to tooth loss. Patients may experience tenderness and sensitivity afterwards, but can expect improvements in gum health over time.
What is Root Scaling?
Root scaling is a dental procedure that cleans teeth above and below the gumline. It focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria, particularly in hard-to-reach areas beneath the gums.
Key aspects of root scaling include:
- Surface Cleaning: Scrapes off hardened tartar from tooth surfaces.
- Below the Gumline: Cleans areas where bacteria can cause gum disease.
- Deep Cleaning: Eliminates plaque that can lead to pockets forming around teeth.
The procedure is often performed with hand instruments or ultrasonic tools, usually under local anesthesia for comfort in more severe cases. Patients may experience temporary sensitivity post-procedure, but the treatment is important for preventing gum disease and promoting healthier gums.
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