At City smiles we have all the right tools and procedures that can help us perform a root canal treatment that may save the tooth from extraction.
We believe it’s better to try and preserve the natural tooth, before looking towards prosthetic options.
What is the root canal treatment?
Root canal is often necessary when the decay from an untreated cavity has progressed to the inner chamber of the tooth.
The pulp inside the tooth can become infected with bacteria and so the root canal procedure is performed to clear away your decay and infection as well as adequately restore your tooth.
A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth.
- Gum disease
- Repeated dental treatment on a specific tooth
- Breakdown of an existing filling or crown
- Extreme wear of a tooth
- Extensive tooth decay
- Cracked teeth
- Trauma
- Complication of dental procedure
- Deep filling
We perform our root canal treatment so that you can keep your natural tooth which is always more beneficial than a prosthetic solution.
Symptoms:
- Aesthetic differences (cracks, discolouration)
- Swelling around the tooth
- Pain and sensitivity
- Inflamed gums
What is the root canal procedure?
The root canal procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, followed by filling and sealing it.
Once the root canal treatment is complete, your tooth should be restored.
At this stage, your dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth from further infection; often a crown is required.
The fabulous news for you, is that root canal therapy has been reported to be up to 95% successful.
Before treatment your dentist at City Smiles will speak with you about your sedation and pain reduction options. Once we are sure you are comfortable your dentist will remove the infected pulp and tissue from the centre of your tooth by drilling through the top of the tooth. The inside of the tooth will be cleaned of bacteria and debris, and then sealed with a filling or crown.
The overall procedure may take multiple appointments if the infection is severe, and especially if a crown is going to be placed as well.
Which is why it’s important to visit City Smiles in Melbourne twice a year so that we can identify problems before they progress to stages where root canal is needed.
What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?
Generally, there are two other options which include:
- Removing the tooth. Removing the tooth will leave a gap in your smile that will need to be replaced with an artificial tooth like a dental implant and crown.
- Leave the tooth untreated. If you do leave the tooth untreated, an infection may occur and can spread to the jaw as well as spread throughout your body causing other health issues. The tooth will accumulate a build-up of pus, which will cause pain and cysts may also develop, requiring further treatment.
Root canal Treatment at City Smiles Melbourne CBD
At City Smiles, we can ensure the success of your root canal treatment due to the fact that we have extensive experience and state-of-the-art technology.
We have all the necessary equipment and tools to successfully perform this procedure at every one of its stages. We are also well-equipped to ensure that you are calm and comfortable during each step of your root canal treatment.
Choosing City Smiles to perform your root canal treatment can give you peace of mind that you are receiving exceptional service and quality. Your smile and tooth can and will be restored while maintaining your comfort.Click here to contact the team at City Smiles to ask any questions or to book your appointment.
FAQs
How do you know if you need a root canal?
When the inner soft tissue (pulp) of a tooth’s root becomes infected, a root canal procedure is typically required. Indications of this issue may include tooth pain, gum sensitivity, persistent tooth sensitivity, or a change in tooth colour. In order to determine if a root canal is necessary, the dentist may need to perform an X-ray.
Does the procedure hurt?
Similar to any other dental procedure, a local anaesthetic is administered around the tooth area during a root canal to numb the nerves and prevent pain throughout the procedure. Having a root canal treatment is no more painful than getting a cavity filled.
What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?
If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications. Here are some of the potential consequences of leaving an infected tooth untreated:
1. Spread of infection: The infection can spread to the gums, jawbone, or even the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
2. Tooth loss: The infection can cause irreversible damage to the tooth’s structure and root, which may lead to tooth loss.
3. Abscess formation: An abscess may form around the infected tooth, causing swelling and pain. If left untreated, the abscess can rupture and spread the infection to other parts of the body.
4. Sinusitis: An upper tooth infection can spread to the sinuses, causing sinusitis, which can result in nasal congestion, facial pain, and fever.
5. Osteomyelitis: The infection can spread to the jawbone, causing osteomyelitis, a serious condition that can cause bone loss and require surgery to remove the affected bone.
In summary, leaving an infected tooth untreated can have serious consequences, including the spread of infection, tooth loss, abscess formation, sinusitis, and osteomyelitis. It’s important to seek dental care promptly if you suspect you have an infected tooth.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the location of the tooth, and the skill of the dentist. In general, a straightforward root canal treatment on a single tooth can take between 1 and 2 hours to complete.
However, more complex cases or teeth with multiple canals may require additional time. In some instances, a root canal procedure may be completed in a single visit, while in other cases, multiple visits may be needed to ensure thorough cleaning and effective sealing of the tooth.
Your dentist will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate of how long your root canal procedure is likely to take based on your individual circumstances.
Is a crown always necessary after a root canal?
While a crown is not always necessary after a root canal, it is often recommended to protect and strengthen the tooth, especially if the tooth was extensively damaged or weakened before the procedure. A crown helps restore the tooth’s structure, seals the tooth to prevent re-infection, improves its appearance, and ensures the long-term success of the root canal treatment. However, in some cases where the tooth is not significantly weakened or if it is a back tooth that does not undergo heavy chewing forces, a filling may be sufficient to restore the tooth. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Will my tooth look and feel normal after a root canal?
In many cases, your tooth should look and feel normal after a root canal procedure, especially once it has been restored with a crown or filling. The pain and discomfort associated with the infected tooth should subside, and any swelling or inflammation should also decrease. However, it is possible to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If you have any concerns about how your tooth looks or feels after a root canal, it is best to consult with your dentist for further evaluation and guidance.
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