Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy
Symptoms of tooth pulp damage or disease
A diseased tooth pulp may cause inflammation or infection. The symptoms of a damaged or diseased tooth pulp may include:
- unprovoked or spontaneous pain
- sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
- pain when biting or chewing
- loosening of the tooth
- swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
- oozing of pus surrounding the affected tooth
- facial swelling
Sometimes, tooth pulp may become damaged or diseased without any symptoms. In these cases, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or x-rays during a dental check-up or treatment for other dental concerns.
-
What is root canal therapy?
The root canal is a part of your tooth. Every tooth has a section that is hollow this is where the blood vessels, nerve tissues, as well as other cells, are located. This is also known as the pulp.
A tooth is made up of a crown, as well as roots. The part of the tooth located above the gums is known as the crown, while the part located under the gums is known as the roots. The tooth is attached to the jawbone owing to the roots.
Located inside the crown, as well as the root, is the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is responsible for nourishing the tooth and providing moisture to the material surrounding the area. The nerves that are located in the pulp can sense temperatures, such as hot or cold, as well as pain. The official name for root canal therapy is endodontic therapy. This also means treatment that takes place inside the teeth.
Despite this, the treatment has become popularly known as root canal therapy.
-
What happens during a root canal therapy?
You may need more than one visit to complete the treatment, depending on the difficulty of the procedure. The exact procedure chosen by K Family Dental may differ from the procedure outlined here. Ask K Family Dental for further information.
1. Removing Active Decay and Infection
Decay, damaged nerve tissue, pus, debris, and any outdated or faulty fillings are carefully removed. This step eliminates the sources of infection to prepare the tooth for restoration.2. Shaping the canals
To be filled well, the canals within the tooth root need to be shaped into smooth, hollow tunnels that are free of irregularities where residual bacteria may sit. This shaping process involves small instruments, special disinfectants and medication. It may take a few weeks to months for these solutions to take maximum effect against stubborn bacteria within the tooth, and this step may have to be repeated several times.3. Filling the canals
To prevent bacteria from re-infecting the empty canals in your tooth, they are permanently sealed with a long-lasting barrier material4. Making the tooth functional again
To make sure no bacteria from the mouth can leak back into the tooth, a large, well-sealed restoration is put on the tooth. Teeth that require root canal treatment have sometimes lost a lot of tooth structure due to previous decay or cracks, and may require further protection in the form of posts, crowns or other similar materials.
Who needs to get a root canal therapy?
Root canal treatment is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection.
The pulp may become inflamed if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread.
The symptoms of a pulp infection include:
- pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink
- pain when biting or chewing
- a loose tooth
As the infection progresses, these symptoms often disappear as the pulp dies.
Your tooth may appear to have healed temporarily, but the infection could continue spreading through the root canal system if untreated.
You may eventually experience further symptoms, such as:
- pain when biting or chewing returning
- swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
- pus oozing from the affected tooth
- a swollen cheek or jaw
- the tooth becoming a darker colour
It’s important to see your dentist if you develop toothache. If your tooth is infected, the pulp cannot heal by itself. Leaving the infected tooth untreated may worsen the condition.
Root canal treatment is most effective when performed before the infection becomes established.
Book an appointment for root canal therapy at K Family Dental today!
Real Customers, Real Patient Story
Proudly rated 4.9 on Google, our patients’ satisfaction speaks volumes. Discover their experiences and see why K Family Dental is their trusted choice in Chatswood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
We’re Here to Help.
If you need more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to support you.
Contact us for urgent advice. After hours, follow our emergency care tips until you can reach the clinic.
Even if you take good care of your teeth, accidents can happen that need urgent attention. Even a minor injury could put you at risk of infection if you don’t get care as soon as possible. If any of your teeth are injured or knocked out, or you have a toothache, swelling, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms, contact our clinic right away.
To manage dental pain until your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid eating hard or chewy foods that may aggravate the pain.
Crafting Beautiful
Smiles Every Day
At K Family Dental, we take pride in our team of highly skilled dentists and dedicated staff. We bring together the best in modern dentistry, with a focus on providing top-tier care in a welcoming environment. Our team is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, offering comprehensive care that’s culturally attuned and personal.