Have you ever experienced sharp and long-lasting tooth pain? When tooth decay has worsened enough to reach the centre and root of the tooth, it causes extreme pain that only a root canal treatment can resolve.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is a method that removes the tooth pulp and replaces it with an artificial filling. The tooth pulp is the tissue at the centre of the tooth where the nerves and fibres are located. It provides sensation to the tooth, so when decay has reached the pulp, it can cause extreme pain.
When is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
A root canal treatment is highly recommended for cases where the cavity has not destroyed much of the tooth structure but has reached the tooth pulp. In this case, removing the tooth pulp alone will salvage most of the original tooth structure and the tooth root. It aims to prevent tooth extraction, which may be more painful and require more expensive restoration.
What are the Signs and Symptoms that You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Your tooth pulp may be damaged if you experience the following:
- Extreme spontaneous pain
- Pain when eating
- Swelling of the gums and nearby cheeks
- Discolouration of the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to cold and hot sensations
- A build-up of pus in the surrounding gum area
- Loosening of the affected tooth
Additional diagnostics and testing may also show the following:
- Deteriorating bone tissue
- An abscess at the tooth root
- Tooth decay that has reached deep into the tooth
- Tooth decay underneath a crown or filling
- Cracks on the teeth due to trauma or tooth-grinding that may have created an opening to the pulp
How is Root Canal Performed?
Once your dentist has confirmed that you need a root canal treatment, you will be scheduled and prepped for the procedure. It will take a few sessions to complete, not including the diagnostic period. Here is the step-by-step procedure of the root canal treatment:
- The dentist uses a local anesthetic around the tooth area.
- They will drill a hole from the top of the tooth until it reaches the pulp.
- Once the pulp is exposed, the dentist will remove it.
- The dentist will now clean and irrigate the root canals or the spaces where the pulp used to sit. These canals extend to the tooth roots. Teeth usually have two to four canals, and each one will be cleaned thoroughly.
- After cleaning, the root canals will be filled temporarily during recovery.
- After a few days, the temporary filling will be replaced by a permanent one. The tooth will be topped with a new prosthetic crown to cover up the drilled area.
- The dentist may require follow-ups to observe the tooth and make sure it’s healing properly.
Recovering after Root Canal Treatment
Right after the procedure, your dentist will give you some at-home care tips to manage any pain and discomfort. You may need to go on a soft diet for a few days until the tooth has been completely restored. Chewing may also feel different after the procedure, but your body will get accustomed to it over time. Root canal treatments usually last a lifetime as long as the patient observes proper oral care.
Getting Root Canal from the Best Quakers Hill Dentist
Do you need a root canal treatment in Quaker Hills? You can depend on Complete Family Dental. We are always ready to help patients suffering from extreme tooth pain. We also provide bulk billing for qualified clients. To know more about this treatment or to set an appointment with us, please call us today.