If you’re experiencing toothaches or sensitivity to hot and cold when you eat or drink, these are all indications that it’s time to visit your dentist for a check up as soon as possible.
These warning signs often mean there could be an infection or inflammation in the root system of your tooth. After an examination, if an infection is found, often a root canal is the preferred treatment which allows the infection to be treated without removing the tooth.
Our dentists will generally be able to help you immediately. If something other than a root canal treatment is required we will discuss your options with you. There can be other causes of tooth pain and our dentists will help diagnose those causes and work with you to relieve the pain and maintain the health of any damaged teeth.
What Is a Root Canal?
A tooth is covered by an outer layer of enamel and an inner layer of hard dentin that protects the nerves, blood vessels and soft tissues that form the core of a tooth.
When outer layers are cracked, decayed or damaged, bacteria and food can penetrate the pulpy inner layer. If an infection or inflammation occurs, the tooth and nearby tissues must be treated.
Rather than extracting the tooth, a root canal removes the infected or damaged pulpy core without sacrificing the entire tooth.
During the process, the inner core of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The roots are packed with a permanent material called gutta-percha. This keeps contaminants from re-entering the tooth after treatment.
A temporary filling is placed to seal the tooth until the infection or underlying problems have been resolved. Finally, a crown is made to cap the tooth and provide structural support, protection and prevent repeat infection.
Will I Feel Pain During Root Canal Therapy?
You will be administered a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the area around it. Once this takes effect, you should have immediate relief from any pain you have been experiencing and you will not feel pain during treatment. Most people compare the experience to having a filling.
In decades gone by, root canal treatments had a reputation for being very painful. Dental treatments have advanced so much in recent decades though that the treatment is not only faster and more effective now, but there is minimal pain involved.
After root canal treatment, you may feel sensitivity in the area. This is often due to the underlying problem of an infection or inflammation. You may be given medication that treats the infection, reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
Root canals are usually performed in two or three visits. During the first visit, the dentist removes the affected pulp, cleans the cavity and fills the space. This visit may take between 30 and 90 minutes.
During the second visit, your dentist will examine the tooth to make sure the infection is gone. To complete the restoration of the tooth, a permanent filling or crown will be fitted. Fitting the crown may require additional visits.
Root Canal Treatment at Maudsland Dental Care
If you are in the Gold Coast area we offer root canal treatment at an affordable cost. At Maudsland Dental Care, our dentists are experienced in both general dentistry and endodontic treatments. We can even use intraoral cameras so you can see what we see. The modern technology we use gives an excellent visual guide to any dental problems you may have and helps you understand the need for treatment. We will let you know all treatment options available.
If you are experiencing dental pain or discomfort, call 07 5580 0621 today so we can prioritise your appointment.
This article has been updated and republished in November 2024 for informational accuracy.
