Root Canal Treatment

Q: <strong>What are the benefits of a root canal?</strong>

Having a root canal treatment has many benefits: Pain Relief: The procedure removes the pain in your tooth, and you’ll feel instant relief. Tooth Preservation: By treating the infection, root canal treatments can save your natural tooth and avoid extraction. Infection Control: Root canal treatments prevent infection from spreading to other teeth and gums. Function: Once treated and restored, your tooth will function normally so you can eat and speak comfortably. Appearance: Proper restoration will make your treated tooth look natural and blend in with your smile.

Dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity? You may need a root canal. At Odontologie, we provide those in the Lansvale area – and beyond – with root canals to save your natural teeth and help eliminate ongoing pain.

Why Odontologie for Infected Tooth Root Canal Treatment?

When it comes to your teeth, you deserve the best. Dr. George Sakoutis and his team at Odontologie have years of experience and a passion for excellence in every procedure. We use the latest technology and techniques to make your endodontic treatment, such as a root canal, as comfortable and effective as possible.

We are located in the Cabramatta and Lansvale region, making access to quality dental care convenient for residents. We know dental procedures can be scary, so we put patient comfort and clear communication at the forefront of all treatments.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to remove infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth. The pulp, also known as the tooth pulp, is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling in the affected tooth and surrounding area. A root canal procedure involves carefully cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if you have a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. Signs that you may need a root canal include:

Severe pain or sensitivity in the tooth or surrounding area
Swelling or tenderness in the gum or face
Pus or discharge from the tooth or gum
A bad taste or odour from the mouth
A cracked or chipped tooth
A deep cavity or filling

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible to determine if a root canal is necessary.

What to Expect After a Root Canal

After a root canal procedure, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth. This is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Following your dentist’s instructions for post-procedure care is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.

Sometimes, a root canal may not be enough to save the tooth, and further treatment may be necessary. Your dentist or endodontist will discuss the best course of treatment with you and answer any questions you may have.

By understanding what a root canal is, whether you need one, and what to expect during and after the procedure, you can make informed decisions about your oral health and take steps to avoid root canal treatment in the future.

Patient Comfort

At Odontologie, we put patient comfort first. We know dental procedures can be anxiety-provoking, so we have implemented the following to make your experience as smooth as possible:

Pain management during and after the procedure
Clear aftercare instructions to aid healing
Follow-up appointments to monitor your progress

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the root canal procedure thanks to modern techniques and anaesthetics. After treatment, you may feel some sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canal therapy takes place across several appointments.

During the first important, the infected or damaged pulp will be removed. This involves drilling a hole into the tooth to access the root canal and clean out the pulp and bacteria. Following this, a temporary filling will be placed, and your tooth will be rest. If required, a local anaesthetic will be applied to the area.

In a subsequent appointment, once the root canal settled, the tooth can be sealed with a permanent filling. The result will be a healthier, natural looking smile. Following treatment, your new teeth can be treated just like the rest of your smile. Remember to brush regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and visit our clinic in Lansvale for regular general dentistry appointments.

FAQs

Root canal therapy is incredibly important if the pulp in your tooth is infected or injured. This is because an infected root canal can spread, leading to infection in the whole tooth and even throughout the body. Infected pulp in your tooth can also lead to a painful abscess in your tooth.

Having a root canal treatment has many benefits:

Pain Relief: The procedure removes the pain in your tooth, and you’ll feel instant relief.
Tooth Preservation: By treating the infection, root canal treatments can save your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
Infection Control: Root canal treatments prevent infection from spreading to other teeth and gums.
Function: Once treated and restored, your tooth will function normally so you can eat and speak comfortably.
Appearance: Proper restoration will make your treated tooth look natural and blend in with your smile.

No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.

Root canal therapy is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated. What if I don’t have the treatment? The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.

Root canal therapy is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.

After a root canal, your tooth may need extra protection and support, including:

Dental Crowns: A crown is a cap that covers the entire visible part of your tooth. We recommend a crown after a root canal to:

– Protect the tooth from further damage
– Restore the shape and size
– Improve the appearance and function

Dental Bridges: If you had a root canal on a tooth that was later extracted, a bridge could replace the missing tooth. The surrounding teeth support bridges and restore your smile and bite function.

We will discuss the best restoration option for your case and ensure your treated tooth is strong and functional for years.

The length of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of canals in the tooth. On average, a root canal procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to complete.

At Odontologie, we have streamlined our root canal process to make it as comfortable and quick as possible. Here’s what to expect:
Examination and preparation: We will examine your tooth, take X-rays and explain the procedure to you.
Anaesthetic: We will numb the area so you are comfortable during the treatment.
Access: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Cleaning: The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the infected root canal, and the root canals are cleaned and shaped.
Filling: The root canal system is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed.
Temporary filling: A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth until the permanent filling is ready.

Most root canals at Odontologie can be done in one or two visits, depending on your case. We use the latest techniques and technology to make it as comfortable and quick as possible.