Did you know that over 1 in 3 Australian adults have tooth decay?
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral problems worldwide. But it can easily be prevented with good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups. If treated early, tooth decay only needs a small filling to prevent it from spreading and damaging surrounding teeth structures. But if not removed, it can spread to the inner tooth pulp, damaging and infecting the nerves. The ensuing result is painful and may lead to extensive dental procedures or a potential extraction.
Root canal therapy can be used for treating extensive decay, helping save, rebuild and protect your tooth. If you’re experiencing sharp shooting pain or seeing visible signs of tooth decay, you may need a root canal treatment. Learn more about this treatment, what it involves and its many benefits in our blog.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is performed to treat a severely infected or damaged tooth. It can become infected due to deep decay, cracks in the tooth, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. This can cause severe pain and the infection spreading to the healthy teeth if not removed. It is also known as endodontic treatment and is done to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected tooth pulp and replacing it with a root filling to seal and protect the remaining tooth.
Reasons for a Root Canal Treatment
Some of the reasons why a root canal treatment may be needed include:
Persistent toothache
If you are experiencing a persistent toothache ranging from mild to severe, it can be a result of an infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp. This can happen because of deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma, with the pain being intermittent or continuous. It is important to consult a dentist to identify the underlying cause to alleviate the pain and treat the problem.
Pain while chewing or biting
Sharp or intense pain while chewing or biting down on food is typically caused by an infection or damage to the pulp inside the tooth. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, the tooth becomes sensitive to pressure, leading to discomfort while eating.
Increased tooth sensitivity
Heightened tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold temperatures, can occur because the infection in the tooth affects nerve endings and makes it more sensitive to changing temperatures.
Bad breath
The bacteria in an infected tooth can multiply and release foul-smelling gases or substances, leading to bad breath. The taste of the infected tooth may also affect the overall taste in the mouth. If you have consistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste that cannot be resolved with regular oral hygiene practices, it is important to see a dentist who can determine if a root canal treatment is needed.
Swelling of lymph nodes or face
Swelling of the lymph nodes or face can be a more severe indication that a root canal treatment is necessary. When the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, the body’s immune system responds by triggering inflammation. This inflammation can cause swelling in the lymph nodes near the infected tooth or the face. If you notice swelling in these areas along with pain, sensitivity, or bad breath, consult a dentist without delay.
Factors that Affect Root Canal Treatment Time
Some of the factors that affect the treatment time include:
The location of the tooth
Teeth in different areas of the mouth may vary in accessibility and complexity. For example, molars at the back of the mouth often have multiple roots and intricate root canal systems, making the treatment more time-consuming as compared to front teeth with a single root. The dentist must navigate and clean each canal thoroughly, which can influence the duration of the procedure. Additionally, the position of the tooth and the surrounding anatomical structures can affect accessibility and requires extra care and time during the treatment.
The extent of the damage
If the infection or inflammation has spread extensively, it may require additional steps to thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth. Complex cases with curved or calcified canals, extensive decay, or severe fractures may require more time to carefully remove the damaged pulp, shape the canals and ensure effective disinfection. The complexity of the case can influence the overall treatment time.
The patient’s overall oral health
If a patient has pre-existing oral health conditions, such as gum disease or extensive dental work, it may require additional time and attention to manage these factors during the root canal procedure. Such issues are usually addressed before treatment to ensure a stable and healthy environment for root canal treatment. Moreover, factors like your ability to tolerate the procedure, cooperation during treatment, and the need for additional anaesthesia can also influence the overall time required for a successful root canal treatment.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
A root canal procedure generally involves one or two appointments. The treatment time may vary for each patient depending on their specific case.
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
Preparing for a root canal treatment
A root canal treatment begins with an oral examination with X-rays to determine the extent of decay and infection. This helps the dentist to design a treatment plan, considering factors such as the tooth location, internal structures and the rebuilding of the tooth. After the initial consultation, we will book an appointment for the root canal procedure.
At Boon Dental, we offer various sedation options according to your treatment preferences. We also have sleep dentistry for patients with dental anxiety or fear of extensive dental procedures. Talk to our dentists for more information on sedation.
Removing the pulp
The area is numbed to ensure there is no pain and you’re comfortable during the procedure and a small opening is created to remove the infected pulp.
Cleaning and filling the root canal
The damaged pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare for the sealing
Sealing and fixing the tooth
The area is filled and sealed to protect the tooth, improve its appearance and prevent further recontamination
Adding a dental crown
We generally recommend a dental crown after the filling and sealing for added strength and protection. This also helps restore the appearance and function of the treated tooth.
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not painful. The pain occurs because of the damaged tooth pulp and will intensify if the infected pulp is not removed. The pain usually stops after the damaged pulp is cleaned and sealed after the root canal.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following a root canal treatment, it is common to experience some sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth and surrounding tissues for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers prescribed by your dentist can help manage any mild discomfort.
It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as gentle brushing and flossing, to keep the treated tooth and the surrounding area clean. Avoiding hard or sticky foods that may cause undue stress on the tooth is advisable during the initial healing phase. If a temporary filling was placed, it is vital to schedule and attend the follow-up appointment to replace it with a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Regular dental check-ups also help monitor the tooth’s health and ensure proper healing. By following these post-treatment instructions and maintaining a consistent oral care routine, you can maximise the chances of a successful recovery and enjoy the long-term benefits of a treated tooth.
Alternative Treatments to Root Canal
The main benefit of a root canal treatment is that it helps save your existing tooth by removing the infection and avoiding the need for a potential extraction. But there are instances when it may not be possible to save the tooth, or root canal therapy may not apply to your specific case. In such situations, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments to protect your oral health and treat the infection or decay.
Some of the alternative treatments for a root canal include:
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is extensively damaged and cannot be saved through a root canal, tooth extraction may be necessary. After the tooth is removed, options for tooth replacement can be discussed, such as bridges or dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a long-term solution to replace missing or damaged teeth. The damaged tooth may be extracted before the dental implant procedure. Titanium screws will be inserted into your jaw to provide a secure foundation for your new teeth. Once the implants have integrated with your jawbone, a replacement tooth will be placed on it, giving you a fixed, natural-looking tooth with improved function and appearance.
Save Your Tooth with Our Gentle Root Canal Therapy
At Boon Dental, we approach dental care with a preventive and restorative approach, helping restore your teeth and improve oral health with bespoke and quality dental care. We offer comprehensive dental care, evaluating the scope of your oral condition and creating treatment plans suited to your unique needs. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or decay or notice any symptoms that might indicate you need a root canal treatment, talk to our friendly dentists today. We can help identify the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan for a lasting and healthy smile. Book a consultation at our Ropes Crossing or Wentworth Point Clinic today.
