Root Canal Therapy Logan – Marsden Park Dental Centre

A root canal is a standard dental procedure used to save or repair a tooth that has an infection or is decayed. When you undergo root canal therapy, the dentist removes the pulp and nerve from inside the tooth. Then, they’ll clean and seal it. Without proper treatment, the tissue around the tooth will slowly become infected, and an abscess can form as this infection progresses. 

The Root Canal Therapy Process

A root canal involves more than one clinic visit over the course of the treatment, and a dentist or endodontist may perform the procedure. The first thing your dental professional will do is take an x-ray to see your tooth’s root canal and determine whether or not you have an infection. A local anaesthetic will numb the area around the tooth, and your dentist will put a rubber dam around the area to keep it dry. 

Next, your dentist will drill an access hole into your tooth to remove the decayed nerve tissue, bacteria and any related debris. The dentist will then clean out the remaining debris, and scrub the sides and bottom of the root chamber, before adding a root canal filler. 

Once your dentist has the tooth wholly cleaned and filled, they seal it. Sometimes, they will seal the tooth right away, but some dentists prefer to wait a week. If you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics before you finish your root canal therapy. If your dentist decides to wait, they’ll put a temporary filling on the exterior of the tooth. 

When you come to your next appointment, your dentist will apply a rubber compound and a sealer paste into your tooth’s root canal before placing a filling on the tooth’s exterior. The final step involves placing a crown on the tooth, the root canal can weaken the tooth’s structure. 

What to Expect After Root Canal Therapy 

Although root canals have a reputation for being painful, most people report that they are no more painful than a traditional filling. For the first two or three days after the root canal therapy, your tooth may feel sensitive. This feeling is natural due to the inflammation around the tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications can usually control your discomfort levels, and most patients return to their normal activities the day after the root canal. 

Root canals have a very high success rate, and the tooth rarely needs additional work. Occasionally, the tooth will crack, or bacteria will seep back into the sealed tooth chamber. When this happens, you’d need a second root canal to clear out any contaminants. However, this is very rare. 

Signs You May Need a Root Canal 

Some people experience no symptoms and are surprised that they need root canal therapy. However, the majority of patients do experience symptoms, and recognise quickly that they have a dental infection that is more severe than a simple cavity. These symptoms can come seemingly out of nowhere, or they can build slowly over time. Common signs you may need a root canal include: 

• Severe pain when you apply pressure to your tooth, or when you chew
• Tenderness and swelling in your nearby gums
• Tooth discolouration or darkening
• Prolonged hot and cold temperature sensitivity 
• Recurring or persistent pimples on your gums

Contact Marsden Park Dental Centre for Root Canal Therapy Today!

If you think you need root canal therapy, the first step is booking an appointment with one of our dentists at Marsden Park Dental Centre. Reach out and contact us today!