Root Canal Treatment in Melbourne
Root canal treatment is a procedure that aims at curing damaged or infected tooth pulp. The root canal process involves drilling a hole in the damaged teeth to clean the dental pulp. With root canal treatment, it is possible to prevent the infection from spreading. After the root canal is cleaned, it is sealed with a crown for increased strength.
At Officer Dental Care, our highly-qualified team of oral health care specialists also provide general dentistry services, such as root canal therapy.
Sadly, there is a common misconception that root canals are extremely painful and complex. We want to assure you that this procedure is in fact gentle and pain-free, especially thanks to our advanced sedation and pain management techniques.
Because our professional dentists always strive to keep a patient’s tooth, they will first assess your tooth to present you with all your available treatment options, as well as to determine if root canal therapy is right for you. If you want to find out more about the root canal process, you can get in touch with our experienced team.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal treatment is required when the tooth is so severely damaged or decayed, that it has spread to the nerve chamber and pulp. Additionally, some patients may require a root canal due to previous trauma to the tooth, which causes the tooth to die out.
Root canal treatment is required to restore these non-vital teeth and to prevent any further infections. Restoring the tooth serves as a preferable alternative to removing the tooth (when possible). This allows the natural tooth to remain in its position, assisting a patient’s mouth function and smile aesthetic.
Do You Require Root Canal Treatment?
There are a number of signs and symptoms which may indicate that infection or decay is present in your tooth’s nerve chamber.
These include:
- Severe pain and discomfort
- A cavity large enough to spread to your tooth’s nerve
- Infection or an abscess
- Loss of tooth structure due to previous injury or trauma
- Excessive tooth decay
The Root Canal Process
Root canal treatment is a gentle process which involves a few long dental appointments for precise and successful treatment. We usually recommend crown restoration after root canal treatment to strengthen the tooth structure and to lengthen the life of the tooth.
The procedure begins with the nerve and pulp being removed, before the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The right time to have a root canal is when you experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or signs of infection. A dentist will determine if the treatment is necessary based on your symptoms and diagnostic tests.
- Pulp removal: The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the tooth.
- Cleaning and shaping: The inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped to prepare for filling.
- Filling and sealing: The root canal is filled and sealed to prevent further infection.
Despite its reputation, root canal treatment is a pain-relieving procedure aimed at saving the tooth and restoring oral health.
After root canal therapy, a follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to ensure proper healing. In many cases, a crown is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
The first stage, involving the removal of the infected or damaged pulp, is often associated with discomfort. However, anesthesia is used to minimize pain during the procedure.
There is no difference between a root canal and endodontic treatment; both terms refer to the same procedure aimed at treating the inside of the tooth to eliminate infection and preserve the natural tooth.
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If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, or are concerned about your dental health, please contact our friendly team today. At Officer Dental Care, your health, wellbeing, and comfort always comes first.