Root Canal Treatment
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
Why did my tooth die?
Infection or inflammation of the nerve can occur due to a number of causes:
- Decay
- Repeated dental work
- Deep fillings
- Cracks
- Extreme wear
- Trauma.
They often, but not always cause pain in the process.
Symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling
- Pain
- Discoloration of the tooth
What are my options?
There are multiple options for managing a tooth which has died. Your dentist will discuss the options available including root canal treatment, tooth removal and implant, bridge or denture placement. Root canal treatment offers you the ability to keep your tooth in your mouth.
What is involved in Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the diseased or dead tissue inside the tooth in order to relieve pain and resolve infection. An antibacterial dressing is placed inside the tooth to relieve symptoms. Root canal treatment is carried out over a number of visits. The treatments are always done with local anaesthetic, so they’re not painful. First, the debris inside the tooth is removed. Then the inside of the tooth is shaped and cleaned. At Noosa Family Dental we have a rotary endodontic system which greatly simplifies and speeds up the procedure. Digital x-rays are taken through the process to ensure we are on track. The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber based material called Gutta Percha which seals them from future bacterial penetration.
After the root canal treatment is finished the tooth is more prone to fracture so your dentist will discuss with you the best way of preventing this. Depending on the prior state of the tooth, a crown, or new filling will be necessary for protection.
