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Root Canal Treatment


Root Canal Treatment

Stop tooth pain and help preserve what’s remaining of your natural tooth.

Root canal treatment otherwise known as ‘root canal therapy’ is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that is infected or damaged in the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

The treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and filling the space with a biocompatible material to seal it.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The dentist will make a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.

The infected or damaged pulp is then removed using specialized instruments, and the canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for the filling material.

Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill them with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling, and a permanent restoration such as a dental crown is often recommended to protect the tooth and restore its function.

Root canal treatment has a high success rate 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 important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure the success and longevity of the treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

Stages of root canal treatment

At Amazing Smiles 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.

Root Canal Therapy Stage 1
Diagnosis

Step 1

During the diagnosis stage, the dentist examines your tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of the infection. They will check for signs such as tooth sensitivity, pain, and swelling. Based on their findings, they will determine if root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth.
Root Canal Therapy Stage 2
Anesthesia

Step 2

Before the procedure begins, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free. This will numb the area around the affected tooth, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the treatment.
Root Canal Therapy Stage 3
Access

Step 3

With the area numbed, the dentist creates a small opening in the tooth’s crown. This is done to gain access to the infected pulp chamber and the root canals within the tooth. The dentist will use specialized tools to carefully remove the infected tissue.
Root Canal Therapy Stage 4
Cleaning and shaping

Step 4

Once the pulp chamber and canals are exposed, the dentist will use tiny instruments to meticulously clean and shape the canals. This step is crucial for removing any remaining infected tissue and creating space for the filling material.
Root Canal Therapy Stage 5
Filling

Step 5

After the canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like material seals the canals, preventing any bacteria or contaminants from re-entering. The canals are then sealed off with a dental cement to provide additional protection.
Restoration

Step 6

Once the root canal therapy is completed, your tooth will need to be restored. In most cases, a dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength, functionality, and appearance. The crown provides long-term protection and helps the tooth blend in with your natural teeth.

Diagnosing Damaged Pulp

How to know if your tooth needs root canal?

Regular check-ups are essential for dentists to diagnose the need for root canal therapy. During these routine appointments, dentists will carefully examine your teeth and gums, looking for signs of infection or decay. They may also take X-rays to get a more detailed view of the tooth’s structure and roots. If any signs of infection or damage are detected, further evaluation may be required.

In some cases, patients may experience persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or discolouration of the tooth. These symptoms can also indicate the need for root canal therapy. Amazing Smiles Dental will conduct a thorough examination, including testing the tooth’s response to stimuli and evaluating any visible signs of infection or decay.

Based on their findings, they will determine if root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth and alleviate your symptoms. Early detection through regular check-ups enables prompt intervention and helps prevent the spread of infection, ultimately preserving your natural tooth and promoting oral health.

We Can Help Stop Tooth Pain!

Experiencing tooth pain can be a sign that root canal therapy is needed. Tooth pain can occur due to deep decay, infection, or damage to the tooth’s pulp. A thorough examination by a dentist is essential to determine if root canal therapy is necessary. During the examination, the dentist will assess the tooth’s condition, perform tests to assess its sensitivity, and may use dental imaging to evaluate the extent of the problem. This examination will help the dentist make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.

At Amazing Smiles, our experienced dentists understand the discomfort and inconvenience caused by tooth pain. We are dedicated to providing effective and compassionate care to alleviate your tooth pain. Our dentists are skilled in performing root canal therapy, a procedure designed to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, relieving pain and saving the natural tooth. With our expertise and commitment to patient comfort, we can help stop your tooth pain and restore your oral health, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free and healthy smile.

Prevent Tooth Loss

When root canal therapy is left untreated, several complications can arise. First and foremost, the infection within the tooth can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to the formation of an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth, causing severe pain, swelling, and even facial swelling. If left untreated, the infection can further progress to the jawbone, leading to a more severe and potentially life-threatening condition.

Additionally, leaving a tooth untreated can result in the loss of the tooth. As the infection progresses, it can weaken the tooth structure, causing it to become brittle and prone to fractures. In some cases, the tooth may become so damaged that it cannot be saved, requiring extraction. Losing a natural tooth can lead to various oral health problems, including difficulty chewing, shifting of neighboring teeth, and potential changes in bite alignment.

It is crucial to seek timely treatment for root canal therapy to prevent these complications. At Amazing Smiles, our skilled dentists are here to help. We provide prompt and effective root canal therapy to save your natural tooth and protect your oral health. Don’t wait until the situation worsens—schedule a consultation with us and let us take care of your dental needs.

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.

We accept all major health funds

Hicaps Funds Insurance

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