Root canal therapy aims to remove a painful infection caused by bacteria, fill the canals and seal the tooth to protect it from damage.Â
Root Canal in Kelmscott
Our dentists in Kelmscott may recommend root canal therapy (also called endodontic therapy) to treat an infection inside a tooth. An infected tooth can be very painful, but root canal treatment can relieve this pain and can usually save the tooth.
Some people worry about getting a root canal, but with local anaesthesia to help numb pain and dental sedation options available, treatment is similar to getting a filling.
If you think you might need a root canal or you want to know more, call (08) 9495 7999 to book a consultation at Kelmscott Dental.
A Root Canal to Save a Tooth
Root canal therapy is the only dental procedure that can treat a tooth infection and has a good chance of saving the tooth. A tooth can become infected when the enamel cracks or wears down and bacteria can access the soft tissues at the centre of the tooth. This can cause severe toothache and sensitivity and may eventually kill the tooth if it’s not treated.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays to see if an infection is present or if there might be another reason for your symptoms. If we think you could benefit from root canal therapy, we’ll explain what treatment involves and put a treatment plan in place for you.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
All root canal treatments are carried out under local anaesthesia to numb pain. If you feel nervous, we can discuss sedation and sleep dentistry options that could help you to relax. The treatment can sometimes take several appointments, depending on the condition and size of the tooth being treated. To remove the infection, our dentists drill into the tooth and remove the infected tissue in the centre. We then carefully clean and reshape the root canal ready for a synthetic filling that helps to maintain the tooth’s strength.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
After a tooth has been thoroughly disinfected and sealed, we’ll cover it with a crown to restore its strength and protect it from further infection.
Some pain, swelling and bleeding is normal after a root canal procedure, but this should only last for a short time and may be managed with over-the-counter medication. You should try to avoid biting down with the tooth for a few days and eat soft foods.
Root canal therapy has a high rate of success, but sometimes the treated tooth may turn grey over time. This only affects its appearance, but you may choose to talk to our dentists about cosmetic treatments to cover or replace a discoloured tooth.
Risks of Root Canal Therapy
Possible risks of root canal therapy include:
- Temporary pain or sensitivity after treatment
- Incomplete cleaning of the canals leading to reinfection
- Tooth fracture due to reduced strength after treatment
- Damage to surrounding tissues during the procedure
- Instrument breakage inside the canal (rare)
- Small chance of an undetected canal being missed
- Possible need for retreatment or surgery if healing does not occur
If you’re worried about root canal therapy, talk to your dentist who can explain the benefits and risks in detail.
Book a Root Canal Consultation
To schedule an appointment with our dentists or find out more about the root canal procedure and costs, call Kelmscott Dental on (08) 9495 7999. You can also book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the alternatives to a root canal?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is an extraction to remove the infected tooth. Extraction is sometimes the only option if a tooth is too badly damaged to repair. Our dentists will make sure you know all of your options so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.
Is root canal painful?
A common misconception is that root canal treatment is painful. The pain experienced by people who require a root canal is from the infection in the tooth pulp. Once the infection has been removed, the pain should dissipate. Read more about it via our blog Is Root Canal Painful? Kelmscott Dental also carry out root canal therapy using local anaesthesia to help numb the area during treatment.It’s common to experience anxiety or unease when it comes to dental or medical treatment. Ask us about sedation when you make an appointment.
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