Root canal therapy you can trust
A fact that might blow you away is that the first root canal procedure was performed in 1766. That’s over 250 years ago! Don’t worry though, medical and dental technology has come a long way since then. There’s a big misconception about root canal therapy being a scary and uncomfortable procedure to undergo, but the reality is that it’s no more uncomfortable than a tooth filling. To add to your comfort, our dental team at our Castle Hill dental clinic has substantial experience in performing gentle and effective root canal procedures.
Root canal can be an effective dental treatment for saving a tooth that might otherwise be lost. There’s no need to risk losing your natural teeth. The Village Dentist is here to help you.
When do I need root canal therapy?
As with many dental issues, the need for a root canal arises from untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay deteriorates the enamel of your teeth before spreading to the middle layer, known as dentin. A tooth-filling procedure can usually correct this issue, but if left untreated, the decay can spread to the innermost layer of your teeth, infecting the tooth’s pulp. At this point, root canal procedures are usually the best treatment for saving your tooth and preserving your oral health.
It might seem like an infected tooth would be easy to identify, but sometimes the damaged tooth might give no warning signs. So, how do you know if you require root canal therapy? Well, the first step is to organise a dental check-up appointment at our Castle Hill dental clinic. Our expert team of dentists can determine if you require a root canal procedure. However, there are some warning signs you can look out for before your dental check-up.
The warning signs include:
- darkened teeth
- consistent toothaches and sensitive gums
- neck and facial swelling
- cracks or holes in your teeth
- abscesses or cysts in your gums
- dental pain
- sensitivity to temperature changes
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal procedures aren’t as scary as you might think. Our Castle Hill dental practice has state-of-the-art technology and the most experienced dental practitioners to ensure a smooth and comfortable procedure. The entire process typically runs over two appointments, but can sometimes be completed in a single visit.
The first appointment is a consultation and meeting with your Castle Hill dentist, who’ll explain the procedure in detail, meaning no surprises are awaiting you in your next appointment. This appointment may also include relief of your pain to enable you to function pain-free until we can actually complete the procedure at a later date.
The following appointment is when your dentist performs the actual procedure. You can explore the typical steps involved in the treatment below:
- The first step is the administration of local anaesthetic to the affected area to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- To keep your affected tooth dry and separate from your other teeth, your dentist places a rubber dam around your tooth to provide a sterile working field.
- After preparing your mouth for the procedure, your dentist now begins removing damaged and decayed parts of your tooth, including the infected pulp.
- After removing the badly decayed parts of your tooth, your dentist performs a thorough cleaning and disinfecting to prevent further infection.
- Your dentist then performs a tooth filling to seal the tooth, concluding the root therapy
- The last step in the procedure involves your dentist applying a dental crown to the treated tooth, restoring its structure, giving it a natural look and protecting the remaining tooth structure
What to expect after root canal treatment
The aftercare treatment for a root canal procedure is relatively simple and doesn’t require extensive effort on your part. After the procedure, your dentist will explain the aftercare steps for you to follow. The first thing to keep in mind is that your mouth may be numb for several hours after the procedure. Take care to not bite your lips, tongue or cheek during this time. For one or two days after the procedure, you might also experience sensitivity and slight discomfort around the treated tooth, but this is completely normal!
If you’re concerned at all, you can always call our Castle Hill dental team, who’ll be more than happy to listen and help. While your aftercare treatment isn’t too extensive, now begins the important at-home maintenance of your teeth.
How to prevent the need for a root canal treatment
Below, you can find several steps to follow that may help you prevent the need for a root canal procedure:
- Understand the causes and symptoms: The first step to preventing the need for a root canal is to understand the causes and symptoms. This can improve your awareness and help you identify healthy habits you might require.
- Attend regular dental check-ups: Dentists can perform extremely diligent cleaning and check-ups that remove plaque and tartar buildup. If you visit your dentist regularly, you can maintain your oral health, mitigating the need for a root canal procedure.
- Practise excellent oral health habits: Along with dental check-ups, it’s also important to practice healthy dental care habits at home. You can brush your teeth twice a day and floss.
- Maintain a healthy diet: The food and drinks you consume can play an important role in maintaining a healthy smile. It’s a good idea to avoid sugary, processed drinks and food, as they can promote tooth decay.
