Root Canal Therapy

You may need a root canal therapy when the pulp or nerve tissue inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected which can lead to pain and an tooth abscess. This can happen as a result of decay or dental caries, tooth trauma, or a cracked teeth. Symptoms of an infected tooth may include severe toothache, spontaneous pain, dental abscess or pus discharge from gums, facial swelling, severe tooth pain when biting or chewing, shooting pain, referred pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Root canal therapy is usually done in one to three visits. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed until the second visit and a metal band around the tooth to prevent the tooth from splitting in half.

At Enlighten Dental, we understand that having a root canal procedure done can be daunting. Our team of experienced professionals will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during the root canal process.

First, we will assess the tooth and identify the problem and Dr Petta may take x-rays of the affected tooth and the area around it. Your treatment plan will be discussed and your cost of the procedure. The unhealthy tooth will then be numbed with topical anaesthetic and a local anaesthetic solution and the tooth to be worked on will be covered with a rubber dam so that it is isolated from the bacteria in the saliva in your mouth. This allows us to keep the tooth clean and you safe during the entire procedure.

Next, we will remove the diseased pulp or nerve tissue from inside the tooth and disinfect the nerve canal space. The dental pulp is made up of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels which extends into the roots of the tooth. Once it is cleaned, we will seal the root canal system with a natural guttapercha material. The damaged tooth is then sealed with either a crown or a filling. If it is replaced with a filling, it will often be temporary and will be replaced with a permanent filling once the root canal has been healed and you are free of symptoms.

The treated tooth should last for a long time, given that patients practice good oral hygiene which improves oral health.

After your root canal treatment, it is best to take over the counter, pain medication such as anti-inflammatory medications like nurofen of panadol for the next day or two whilst the inflammation settles down within the tooth.

We understand that having a root canal treatment done can be stressful. However, Dr Sophia Petta will do everything she can to make sure that you are comfortable and that a successful treatment outcome results.

Root canals can save your natural tooth from extraction, protect the neighbouring teeth from a tooth infection, and help you keep your natural smile. In addition, it can also help relieve pain and restore function to your tooth. If the root of the decayed tooth is left untreated, deep decay can occur which requires further and often more complex treatment.

This is a myth, no, root canal therapy is not painful. Dr Sophia Petta will make sure that you are comfortable during the dental treatment and the tooth is completely sedated and numb to any pain. Local anaesthetics will be used to numb the area, so there will be no discomfort throughout the procedure. In some cases, patients may experience mild pain after the procedure, and this is normal, and you would manage that with anti-inflammatory pain medication at home.

At Enlighten Dental, we have more than 13 years of experience in providing high-quality dental care to our patients. If you require root canal treatment, Dr Sophia Petta is highly trained and experienced in root canal therapy, so you can rest assured that you will receive the best possible care when you come to us.