Dental Root Canal Treatment

A dental root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a treatment performed to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury. Your own tooth is usually stronger and more efficient for biting and chewing, which is why our dentists may advise root canal treatment at our Melbourne clinic rather than having the tooth extracted and artificially replaced.

When a tooth is extracted, you may experience problems with biting, chewing and cleaning around the new gap. For example, nearby teeth can move out of their normal position and tilt into the space left by a missing tooth. This can make chewing and biting more difficult, and can lead to further decay and gum disease around the tilted teeth. Most of the time, dental root canals can be completed in house at Toorak Fine Dentistry. However, some complex cases may require referral to a Melbourne endodontics specialist in order to best treat the tooth.

A root canal treated tooth can last for many years to come as long as it’s taken care of after the procedure. Our dentists will recommend routine dental check ups and cleaning from our dental hygienists for the long term care of your root canal treated tooth.

If root canal treatment cannot be completed, extraction may be required, and our dentists will explain the procedure to you and recommend appropriate tooth replacement options.

What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Whenever the nerve of a tooth, which is also known as a pulp, becomes inflamed or infected, a dental root canal is usually required to resolve the issue. The pulp can experience infection or inflammation when a filling or crown deteriorates, or when a person has deep cavities, gum disease or cracked and chipped teeth.

The most common symptoms indicating that a person might need a root canal include pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discoloration, and swollen or sore gums. The root canal treating dentist will take an x-ray and perform tests to determine whether you require a root canal.

The procedure involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp and then cleaning and disinfecting the canal. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicines may be placed inside the tooth to help eliminate the inflammation and infection. A patient will usually have to have two appointments for a root canal and wear a temporary filling that protects the inside of the tooth.

Once the root canal treatment has been completed by our dentists, they may recommend putting in a porcelain crown for the tooth. Both the root canal and crown implementation are done to protect the affected tooth from fracturing.

Learn More Today

If you have any questions about undergoing a root canal and crown procedure, or if you have a painful toothache, please call our Melbourne clinic on (03) 9826 1725.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding with a surgical or invasive procedure, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.