Root Canal Therapy
When you experience intense pain in a tooth, especially while chewing or biting, it’s a clear signal that something is wrong. In some cases, this pain may be caused by an infection or injury to the tooth’s nerve, which can lead to severe discomfort. While many people think of tooth extraction as the only solution, there is another option that allows you to save your tooth — root canal therapy.
At Hornsby Dental, we understand how worrying it can be when you face the need for a root canal, and we are here to provide expert care to restore your dental health. Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure that can relieve pain and save your tooth from extraction. In this article, we’ll explain what root canal therapy is, when you may need it, what to expect during and after the procedure, and how you can take steps to prevent needing it in the future.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to repair and save a tooth that has been damaged due to infection or injury. Within each tooth lies a soft tissue called dental pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that help nourish the tooth. When this pulp becomes infected due to injury, decay, or cracks, the infection can spread to the root of the tooth, causing severe pain and potentially leading to further complications.
If left untreated, the infection can cause an abscess — a pocket of pus that can spread beyond the tooth’s root and cause swelling in the face, neck, or head, along with bone loss at the root tip. In these cases, root canal therapy is the best option to remove the infected pulp, clean the area, and prevent the spread of the infection.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
During root canal therapy, your dentist will clean out the infected pulp from inside the tooth, sterilising the area to remove harmful bacteria and debris. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the empty canal is filled with a biocompatible material to seal the tooth and prevent reinfection. The tooth is then sealed and prepared for a crown, which will protect and restore the tooth’s function.
The process typically involves several steps, which may require a single visit or multiple visits, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Root canal therapy is performed under local anaesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Why Choose Root Canal Therapy?
When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Severe pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Tooth discolouration
(a darkening of the tooth)
Chipped or cracked teeth
Swollen or tender gums
Swelling in the face or neck
Sometimes, there may be no obvious symptoms, especially if the infection has progressed to the point where the nerve inside the tooth has already died. In these cases, you may not experience any pain, but an abscess may still be present, leading to potential bone loss or tooth loss.
It is important to note that some injuries or trauma to a tooth, such as those caused by accidents or sports injuries, may not show visible signs of damage. Even if there is no immediate pain or visible crack, the tooth may still require root canal therapy. Therefore, it is always a good idea to seek dental care after experiencing an injury, as your dentist can assess any potential damage that may not be immediately noticeable.
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
Step 1: Diagnosis and Preparation
Your dentist will first examine the tooth and take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection and assess the root canal system. Based on this, they will plan the best approach for your treatment.
Step 2: Anaesthesia
A local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the affected area, ensuring that you remain comfortable during the procedure. Most patients find that they feel little to no discomfort during the treatment.
Step 3: Cleaning the Tooth
Your dentist will create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp. The pulp and any debris will be carefully removed using specialised tools. The inside of the tooth will then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Step 4: Filling and Sealing
Once the root canal is cleaned, it will be filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, to seal the space and prevent future infection. The opening in the tooth will also be sealed with a temporary filling.
Step 5: Final Restoration
After the root canal therapy is completed and the tooth is healed, your dentist will recommend placing a dental crown over the treated tooth. A crown will provide added protection and restore the tooth’s strength and function. It is particularly important as the tooth will become more fragile after the treatment.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your root canal treatment, you may experience some mild soreness or tenderness around the treated area for a few days. This is completely normal and should subside with time. Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your dentist, can help manage any discomfort.
It is essential to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to ensure proper healing. For example, you should avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored with a crown.
Once the tooth has healed and the crown is placed, your tooth should function normally, allowing you to bite and chew without pain or discomfort.
The Cost of Root Canal Therapy at Hornsby Dental
How to Prevent the Need for a Root Canal
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
to remove plaque and prevent cavities.
Floss at least once a day
to clean between your teeth and prevent gum disease.
Wear a mouth guard
if you play contact sports to protect your teeth from injury.
Attend regular dental check-ups
for early detection of issues.
Limit sugary foods and drinks
to reduce your risk of cavities.
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Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Mark Neih
BDS (Otago, NZ)
Dr. Philip Song
BDS (Hons) (USyd) Bsc
Dr. Richard Huang
DMD (USyd)