Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy at Sunbury, Gisborne & Diggers Rest
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal refers to the interior part of the tooth where the nerve and pulp reside. A root canal treatment is performed when decay from a cavity goes deep into the tooth, affecting the pulp and root of the tooth. It can lead to swelling and immense pain that is difficult to alleviate with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. The pain is due to a spread of infection that affects the pulp, or tissue where blood vessels and nerves are connected to the tooth. But instead of removing the entire tooth, your dentist may help you save the tooth with a root canal.
Damage often begins when an untreated infection damages the nerve and surrounding tissue of a tooth, and bacteria continue to multiply. If left unchecked, the infection can spread throughout the mouth and even into other parts of the body. During a root canal treatment, the pulp and nerve are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned to ensure all bacteria and infection are eliminated. Once cleaned, the root canal is filled so more bacteria or debris cannot infiltrate to create further problems.
Many people fear the procedure because they know a nerve is involved; and we know that nerves might mean intense pain. But the pain comes from an infection around the root of the tooth or dying nerve, and a root canal procedure can eliminate pain and remove the source of infection. This allows the surrounding tissue to heal, which will then continue to feed a supply of blood to the tooth. The results are twofold; first is the removal of infection and pain and second, we save your tooth.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal refers to the interior part of the tooth where the nerve and pulp reside. A root canal treatment is performed when decay from a cavity goes deep into the tooth, affecting the pulp and root of the tooth. It can lead to swelling and immense pain that is difficult to alleviate with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. The pain is due to a spread of infection that affects the pulp, or tissue where blood vessels and nerves are connected to the tooth. But instead of removing the entire tooth, your dentist may help you save the tooth with a root canal.
Damage often begins when an untreated infection damages the nerve and surrounding tissue of a tooth, and bacteria continue to multiply. If left unchecked, the infection can spread throughout the mouth and even into other parts of the body. During a root canal treatment, the pulp and nerve are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned to ensure all bacteria and infection are eliminated. Once cleaned, the root canal is filled so more bacteria or debris cannot infiltrate to create further problems.
Many people fear the procedure because they know a nerve is involved, and we know that nerves might mean intense pain. But the pain comes from an infection around the root of the tooth or dying nerve, and a root canal procedure can eliminate pain and remove the source of infection. This allows the surrounding tissue to heal, which will then continue to feed a supply of blood to the tooth. The results are twofold; first is the removal of infection and pain and second, we save your tooth.
Problems That May Lead to a
Root Canal Treatment
An unattended cavity is the most common cause that creates a need for a root canal treatment. Many times, people fear the dentist and avoid having regular dental checkups, which can allow a cavity to form and increase in size. The growing tooth decay can spread an infection that will eventually reach the root and pulp of the tooth, causing great pain and tooth loss if not treated. But other incidents may lead to the need for a root canal procedure including larger fillings, old fillings, a crack or chipped tooth or trauma.
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Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Not all tooth pain or sensitivity means you need a root canal treatment. But there are indications that might indicate you should get a dental exam to ensure small problems don’t become big ones. These include:
The Root Canal Procedure
The Root Canal Procedure
Upon your initial visit, we will perform a full exam and evaluation with x-rays. The x-rays are very handy to help us see the shape of your root canal and the extent of infection. We can also determine if the infection has spread to the surrounding bone. At this point, you will be given a local anesthesia to ensure there is minimal discomfort during the procedure. If you had pain prior to coming in, your dentist may have already given you a local anesthesia or requested you take over-the-counter pain medication, so you are more comfortable during the examination.
When you are ready, the tooth will be cleaned and filled with a special material. Sometimes if the infection is extensive, a dentist may clean the root canal, apply medicine then request you come in for another visit to fill this tooth. In some cases, a crown may be added if the damage to the tooth is extensive.
Follow Up Care
Once the procedure is complete, the area of the root canal treatment may be sensitive due to normal tissue inflammation, but most patients recover easily with medications to reduce inflammation, like ibuprofen. And for anyone who is concerned, know that root canal treatments have an 80% to 95% success rate and many people can keep their original teeth for a long time, with proper care.
Follow Up Care
Once the procedure is complete, the area of the root canal treatment may be sensitive due to normal tissue inflammation, but most patients recover easily with medications to reduce inflammation, like ibuprofen. And for anyone who is concerned, know that root canal treatments have an 80% to 95% success rate and many people can keep their original teeth for a long time, with proper care.
Cost of Treatment
Of course, tending to cavities as quickly as possible can help you avoid having a root canal treatment. But if the damage is too extensive and a root canal treatment is required, putting it off can lead to more extensive and costly procedures. In extreme cases, an infection can spread and lead to hospitalization.
Download Price List
While we agree that you can’t put a price on good health (especially when it comes to your teeth), we understand the reality of family budgets. That’s why we offer flexible treatment options and family-affordable pricing. You might say the only thing average about Dental House is our prices.
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Root Canal Therapy Blogs
Does Root Canal Therapy Weaken My Tooth?
Learn how root canal therapy impacts tooth strength and how crowns reinforce your smile at Sunbury Dental House. Call us at 1800GENTLE today.
What Happens If I Ignore My Toothache?
A couple of days ago, I met a lovely patient, Zoey from Hillside, who had some chronic toothache for a long time. She came in for us to…
What Is the Process of Root Canal Therapy?
Yesterday, I was with one of our new patients Margaret from Diggers Rest. She came in because she was experiencing really bad pain in her back molar.
Let Us Help
Our caring and compassionate team of dentists understand that many people have concerns, so call today and schedule your appointment. Our goal is to alleviate your pain and find the right solution to help you.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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