Root Canal Therapy in Harrisdale

A root canal treatment may be required for a damaged or irritated pulp. The canals that go through the centre of a tooth link to the roots, which contain blood vessels and nerves. When these parts of the tooth get contaminated due to decay or other factors, the pulp tissue and nerves within the tooth begin to die.

Toothache

A throbbing or aching sensation in your tooth could be a symptom of a more serious disease. You may have contracted an infection, especially if you have pain when eating. In contrast, signs of an infection, such as pain or sensitivity, may subside over time. However, this does not mean that the problem has been treated; it merely means that the nerves in your tooth have been destroyed and you are unable to feel it.

Tooth abscess

Bacterial buildup in your teeth can cause an infection that results in a pus-filled pocket, known as an abscess. A tooth abscess can form in a range of areas on the tooth, depending on the cause. In periapical abscesses, the abscess forms at the tip of a root; in periodontal abscesses, the abscess forms on the side of the root.

Facial swelling

Ignoring pain in your mouth is never a good idea, and if you have an infection at the root of one or more teeth, it’s necessary to see a dentist. A dental abscess can arise when bacteria cause pus to collect around those sensitive sites, resulting in facial cellulitis and swelling of the face.

Tooth discolouration

Tooth discolouration might indicate diseased pulp. It is important to see a dentist if you notice that the colour of your teeth has changed. It could be as a result of trauma or tissue breakdown, resulting in greyish-black teeth.

Swollen soft tissue around the infected tooth

Gum swelling may suggest the need for root canal therapy in some cases. Besides that, swelling can happen at any time and can be painful to the touch or not. It occurs when dead pulp tissues discharge acidic waste, causing swelling around the root tip of the tooth. Also, any type of swelling should always be checked by your dentist right away.

Traditional root canal therapy is offered from the dental office. If the condition is more complicated, they may refer you to an endodontist, who specialises in the treatment of tooth pulp and dental nerve tissues.

Preparation

When you first see the dentist, they may take an X-ray to look for signs of infection in the area surrounding your teeth. The dentist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the area before beginning treatment, making the treatment painless throughout.

A rubber dam will be put in the affected area to isolate the infected tooth and keep it clean and dry. Rubber dams keep everything out of your mouth while protecting your teeth.

Opening the tooth

To reach the diseased pulp, the dentist drills a hole in the tooth and uses small dental files to remove any dead tissue, including blood vessels and connective tissue. After removing any damaged soft tissues, a biocompatible material is used to fill the tooth’s pulp chamber. It forms a barrier that protects the tooth from bacterial growth.

Cleaning

To clear away debris, the dentist will use sterile water or sodium hypochlorite spray. The dentist then sprays and vacuums an antibacterial solution onto the teeth a few times to disinfect them.

Root shaping

The shaping of the canals for filling is important in this procedure. It must be performed in order to remove all dead tissue from the root canals and create enough space for filling. Revolving tools enable dentists to obtain better results in less time than manual filing in the past.

Root fillings

In case a dentist is unable to perform the endodontic treatment in a single session, they will soak the roots in an antibacterial solution to avoid bacteria. Additionally, the dentist can protect your natural tooth by putting a temporary root canal filling material between treatments to prevent food or saliva from becoming lodged.

The temporary filling will be removed at your next dental visit and replaced with gutta-percha, a sealant paste and rubber compound. Following the sealing of the access hole, a permanent filling is applied to prevent bacteria from accessing the tooth and causing future problems, such as reinfections.

When damaged natural teeth cannot be healed, an artificial crown is recommended which can provide function and strength. If necessary, the dentist may discuss additional treatment with you at your session.

A simple procedure can take 30-60 minutes depending on the number of canals in the tooth. Nevertheless, you should plan on sitting in the dentist’s chair for roughly 30-90 minutes.

Root canal therapy has a success rate of 85%. It may last for a decade with practising good oral hygiene habits. Quitting smoking can also help you keep a healthy mouth, improve the health and appearance of your teeth, and extend the effectiveness of any dental treatment.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to experience tooth discomfort several years after an endodontic treatment. If you’re still experiencing severe pain following your treatment, it’s worth getting your teeth examined and re-treated to improve their health.

When the nerve tissue inside a tooth dies, root canal treatment is required. Healthy teeth die due to a lack of blood flow caused by an injury or extensive decay. If a serious infection of the tooth’s root is left untreated, it can spread to neighbouring teeth and harm the gum tissue, causing tooth discomfort and further damage. A dentist can drain a tooth abscess; otherwise, you risk losing the tooth.

If you see any signs of a dental infection in your mouth, you should see a dentist right away. It will help you heal faster. Furthermore, by practising good oral hygiene, you can eliminate the need for expensive treatments.

Here are a few alternatives to traditional root canal therapy. You should consult your dentist to determine which option is best for you.

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a dental procedure in which the pulp tissue of your tooth is removed. This is often done when the pulp has been exposed. In contrast to a pulpectomy, a pulpotomy preserves the root canals and nerves.

This treatment is often performed on children with baby teeth, as well as an adult whose roots have not fully matured. It is usually used as an emergency treatment among adults until a dentist or endodontist is available to perform a root canal.

Pulpotomies are not recommended if the pulp of the tooth is infected or irreversibly damaged. Rather than that, a pulpectomy or extraction would be required.

Tooth extraction

Tooth extration involves removing the entire tooth. This is only advised when the affected tooth has severely damaged or serious dental decay cannot be treated. It usually happens when root therapy is not possible.

Direct pulp capping

If you want to avoid getting your tooth extracted or having a root canal, the dentist may recommend direct pulp capping. When teeth are badly damaged or decayed to the innermost layer, this alternative method is used. A cap seals off the area, preventing bacteria from entering and infecting the tooth.

Direct pulp cappings are usually advised when the pulp is exposed to low levels and the exposed pulp appears healthy and in good shape. They are an effective therapy option for adolescents.