Root Canal Treatments – What to Expect

Do you need a root canal? An infected tooth can be saved and treated with a root canal if detected in time.

Many patients may fear getting a root canal, but we’re glad to say that treatment techniques have improved to the point where patients no longer have anything to worry about.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

The term “root canal” refers to a portion of a tooth rather than a medical procedure. The pulp, also called the hollow part of a tooth, is where the nerves, blood vessels, and other cells are found.

The crown and roots make up a tooth. The roots are primarily below the gum, while the crown is mostly above it. The tooth’s roots secure it to the jawbone.

The pulp is located within the crown, root, or canal. The pulp hydrates the surrounding tissue and feeds the tooth. The pulp’s nerves react to heat and cold by sending pain signals.

Endodontic therapy, “inside the tooth,” is the actual name of the dental procedure frequently referred to as a “root canal.”

However, the phrase “root canal” frequently refers to the procedure.

What should you know before, during, and after a root canal procedure?

Before Treatment

The dentist will first evaluate whether root canal therapy is your best choice for keeping it. If there is tooth pain, there most likely is a cavity.

For some cavities, fillings are a solution. These cavities are usually shallow to moderately deep.

However, they are typically minor enough that the tooth can be cleaned and saved by simply filling the space with metal or composite.

Your dentist will suggest a root canal as the best option if they determine the cavity is too advanced for this treatment. They will arrange for another appointment so you have time to prepare.

You will show up as usual on the appointed day. Then, you and your dentist will discuss dealing with the pain.

Some dentists suggest nitrous oxide or local anaesthetics, whereas others might consent to complete sedation.

They will start your root canal procedure after this takes effect.

During Treatment

You might need an injection to relieve pain or discomfort during root canal procedures, which are typically performed under a local anaesthetic (numbing).

After being numbed by your dentist using a rubber dam, the tooth area may be kept dry and saliva-free.

Simply put, a rubber dam is a piece of rubber that fits over a tooth and keeps it separate from the other teeth in the mouth.

Your dentist will use root canal files to clean the tooth’s canals (roots) after the decay and bacteria have been eliminated.

In such a situation, your dentist will carefully clean the tooth, place some sedatives, and fill it with a temporary filling.

After the root canal operation, the dentist usually seals the canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-filling substance. The tooth then receives a standard filling.

After Treatment

After covering the root canal, your dentist will fill the tooth.

There may be some minor discomfort for a few days, similar to the aftermath of a routine filling. This is usually treatable with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen.

After it is sufficiently secure, the dentist completes the procedure by placing a new crown on the tooth.

This achieves two objectives: it adds another layer of protection against future decay and strengthens the tooth against stress fracture.

Root canal therapy has a stellar track record of saving decayed teeth. There is nothing to be concerned about, and your problematic tooth has nothing to fear.

Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters

By preserving your original tooth, a root canal helps avoid having it extracted and replaced with artificial ones like bridges or implants. Saving your tooth ensures:

• Better chewing function and speech clarity
• A natural-looking smile
• Prevention of jawbone deterioration
• Avoidance of shifting teeth due to missing gaps

Save Your Teeth with Root Canal Treatment in Campbelltown

You can preserve a tooth and maintain oral health by getting a root canal.

At Marketfair Dental Care, we treat all our patients as we would our families by using the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions.

Visit your Campbelltown dentist today!

Call us at (02) 4620 0800 or make an appointment online.

We are located at Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.