Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal Therapy)
Endodontic Treatment is necessary when the nerve of a tooth is affected by severe decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled to restore the tooth to its full function.
Root canal treatment is an effective choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for the adjacent teeth. At Council Avenue Dental we believe it to be more beneficial to have your own existing tooth than an artificial one.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually can last a lifetime if properly looked after, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your may require endodontic treatment,
- Abscesses (or pimples) on the gums.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Sometimes no symptoms are present.
- Swelling and/or tenderness.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with a filling.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. After treatment, some sensitivity is expected but should subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms described above, contact our team to arrange an endodontic consultation.
No gap dental services
Pay nothing on the following preventive services:
- Your regular dental exam
- Scale and clean
- Bitewing x-rays where required
- Fluoride treatments
- Mouthguards where required
or call us on (08) 9592 2210
Health Funds
We accept all health funds and are also affiliated with Bupa, HBF, HCF, and NIB.