Root Canal Treatments – What Should You Expect

Do you have an upcoming root canal? We’re happy to inform you that, despite the anxiety some patients feel at the thought of a root canal, treatment techniques have advanced to the point where patients no longer need to worry.

An infected tooth may be successfully treated and saved with a root canal if found in time.

Here’s what you can anticipate before, during, and following a root canal procedure.

What is a Root Canal, and Why Might You Need One?

A root canal treatment is a process to treat infections in the pulp or core of a tooth.

It’s usually necessary when the tooth has become severely decayed, repeatedly treated, or cracked/chipped.

Severe toothache, persistent sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloured teeth, and gum swelling or discomfort are signs that a root canal is necessary.

Before Treatment

The dentist will conduct a preliminary examination before deciding whether root canal therapy is your best option for keeping it. A tooth that hurts most likely has a cavity.

Some holes may be filled. These cavities are typically shallow to medium in depth.

Because they are generally minor, they can usually be cleaned and protected while the tooth is replaced with metal or composite.

If the cavity is too advanced to be treated this way, your dentist will recommend getting a root canal. They will set up a different appointment, giving you extra time to prepare.

If your dentist decides the cavity is too advanced for this course of treatment, they will suggest a root canal and change the appointment time to give you more time to prepare.

You’ll come as usual on the designated day, and your dentist will discuss your pain management choices.

Dentists may recommend nitrous oxide or local anaesthetics; however, some patients prefer full sedation.

The procedure for your root canal will then start after this.

During Treatment

You could need an injection to relieve discomfort or pain during root canal procedures.

A local anaesthetic (numbing) is typically used to perform a root canal. After numbing the tooth area, your dentist may apply a rubber dam to keep it dry and saliva-free.

A rubber dam, or piece of rubber, serves as a barrier between an isolated tooth and the rest of the mouth.

Your dentist will eliminate the bacteria and decay before cleaning the tooth’s canals (roots) using root canal files.

Dentists extract the nerve from canals using root canal files, small instruments with an expanding diameter. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by having a hole drilled into it.

Some dentists prefer to wait a week or two to finish a root canal to prevent pain or secondary infection.

In this situation, your dentist will give you sedatives, carefully clean the tooth, and place a temporary filling before continuing.

Gutta-percha, a rubber filling material, is frequently used by dentists to seal the canals after the root canal procedure.

After the root canal procedure, the tooth receives a typical filling.

After Treatment

Your dentist will put a filling in place once the root canal is finished. There may be some minimal soreness for a few days, similar to the effects of a typical filling.

This is usually treated successfully with ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers.

The dentist will typically attach a new crown to the tooth once the procedure is complete and stable.

The second line of defence against future decay is added, and the tooth is strengthened to withstand stress fractures.

Root canal therapy can frequently successfully treat tooth decay and preserve teeth. Your problematic tooth will benefit, so there is no need to worry.

Potential Risks and Complications

While root canals are generally safe, potential risks include:

• Infection: Small risk managed with antibiotics.
• Pain and Discomfort: Usually mild, managed with painkillers.
• Tooth Fracture: A treated tooth may become brittle; a crown is recommended.
• Incomplete Cleaning: This may require a repeat procedure.
• Reinfection: Possible if the crown or filling is delayed.
• Nerve Damage: Rare, may cause numbness.
• Post-Treatment Complications: Swelling, inflammation, and minor bleeding typically subside within a few days.
• Allergic Reactions: Inform your dentist of any known allergies.

Follow aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments. If you encounter strange symptoms, contact your dentist.

Root Canal Treatments in Leederville

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

Dentists on Vincent Leederville offer a child-friendly environment as we address your apprehension towards treatment.

Call (08) 9242 4400 or make an appointment online.

Visit us at 322 Vincent St in Leederville.

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is ample car parking across the road from the practice

There are cafes and eateries within walking distance

LOCATION

Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation