Preserving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal procedure removes infected or damaged pulp from within the tooth and fills the space with specialized, medicated dental materials to restore its strength and function. This treatment not only prolongs the life of your natural tooth but also helps maintain the health of your jawbone and surrounding tissues. Choosing to save your tooth can prevent further discomfort and reduce future dental costs.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Swelling or redness in the gums around the affected tooth
- Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
- An abscess or pimple-like swelling on the gums
Early intervention can help prevent complications—if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking prompt dental care is essential.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A root canal treatment typically requires one or two visits to a dentist or endodontist. Here’s what the procedure involves:
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The process begins with an x-ray to assess the affected tooth and surrounding bone, pinpointing the source of your discomfort. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation before treatment. The pain often associated with an abscess is caused by swelling from infection—addressing this beforehand can help minimize discomfort.
Tooth Preparation
To ensure a pain-free experience, the area is carefully numbed before administering a local anaesthetic to the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Once you’re fully comfortable, a small opening is made in the tooth to remove the infected pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and debris.
Cleaning and Sealing
If a severe abscess is present, medication may be placed inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining infection. For multi-visit treatments, a temporary filling is applied to protect the tooth between appointments. Many patients begin to feel relief at this stage. Once the tooth is entirely free from infection, it is permanently sealed, restoring its function and strength.By treating the infection at its source, root canal therapy not only relieves pain but also helps preserve your natural tooth for years to come.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat an infection within the tooth’s root canal system. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it with a biocompatible filling to prevent reinfection.
Modern root canal treatment is generally no more uncomfortable than receiving a standard dental filling. With the use of local anaesthesia, the procedure itself is virtually painless. Some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur once the anaesthesia wears off, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The length of a root canal procedure depends on the complexity of the case and the tooth being treated. In most cases, the treatment is completed in one to two visits, with each session lasting between 30 minutes to two hours.
You may require a root canal if you experience:
- Severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discolouration or darkening of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth
- A recurring or persistent pimple-like swelling on the gums
Although uncommon, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can become reinfected. This may occur if the inner sealing material deteriorates over time, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth, or if a new cavity, crack, or loose filling compromises the seal. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help prevent reinfection and extend the lifespan of the treated tooth.
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