Root Canal treatment is administered to save or repair a tooth that has been infected or decayed. Should your tooth be in this position, your local Sydney dentist will recommend root canal treatment. Without treating the infected or decayed tooth, the tissue will weaken and become affected. This will develop an abscess.
If you’re in a position to require root canal treatment and want to know what to expect, this guide provides an overview on what happens during root canal treatment along with aftercare tips to keep your root canal in the best possible long-term condition.
Here is what to expect before, during and after root canal treatment at your local dentist.
Pre-Root Canal Treatment
Before root canal treatment begins, a full medical evaluation is performed. The dentist should firstly complete all necessary paperwork relating to your medical history to understand the current state of your teeth, including an examination of your affected tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment begins by first applying local anaesthesia to numb the tooth area. This is typically done using a needle and a sheet of rubber is placed to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
- Removing the Infected Pulp – The infected tissue (or pulp) needs to be removed completely to avoid the chance of it becoming infected again in the future. When the tooth’s nerve tissue is damaged, the bacteria are broken down could cause an abscess, which in turn can lead to bone loss. Deep decay is a typical symptom of your tooth’s nerve damage.
- Enlarge the Root Canal – The root canal is enlarged for easier filling once the pulp is removed. Initially, the root canal is difficult to fill and the dentist will attempt to enlarge the canal. You will be required to use antibiotics should you suffer any symptoms from the procedure such as swelling or temperature.
- Your Next Appointment – As root canal treatment is typically split into two separate appointments, your second appointment involves removing the temporary filling to fill the root canal filling. The tooth is sealed at this point and avoids any danger of reinfection.
- Shape And Place – The crown-shaped for the size of your tooth and is placed accordingly. Cement is used to glue the crown to complete the treatment.
Post-Root Canal Treatment
After treatment, you should expect to experience some sensitivity where the crown is placed. The dentist will provide instructions on how to manage your pain or soreness. Typically, aftercare tips include brushing teeth gently especially around the treated area. Booking regular appointments with your local Sydney dentist is important to maintain the crown’s health. Maintain good oral hygiene through regular brushing, eating softer foods and regularly keeping your mouth clean from plaque and tartar build-up.
Summary
Make no mistake about it, a root canal saves oral health. Where there have been misconceptions that root canal treatment is unsafe and dangerous, it is far from the truth. The dentist will always seek to perform root canal treatment to preserve your tooth if possible. Extraction is only administered if the tooth cannot be repaired.
If you’re seeking root canal treatment at a local dentist, contact us here and we’d be happy to help you.