Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment otherwise known as ‘root canal therapy’ is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that is infected or damaged in the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
The treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and filling the space with a biocompatible material to seal it.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The dentist will make a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
The infected or damaged pulp is then removed using specialized instruments, and the canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for the filling material.
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill them with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling, and a permanent restoration such as a dental crown is often recommended to protect the tooth and restore its function.
Root canal treatment has a high success rate and can save a tooth from extraction.
Some common signs that a tooth may require root canal treatment include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or a visible abscess or bump on the gums.
After the treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure the success and longevity of the treatment.
Stages & Treatment for Root Canal Therapy
At Amazing Smiles Dental, we understand that root canal therapy can sound intimidating, but our team is here to provide gentle and comforting treatments that prioritize your comfort and oral health. With our expertise in root canal therapy, we aim to preserve your natural teeth and keep you smiling. Our highly skilled dentists utilize the latest techniques and technologies to ensure efficient and effective treatment.
Diagnosis
Step 1
Anesthesia
Step 2
Access
Step 3
Cleaning and shaping
Step 4
Filling
Step 5
Restoration
Step 6
Diagnosing Damaged Pulp
How to know if your tooth needs root canal?
Regular check-ups are essential for dentists to diagnose the need for root canal therapy. During these routine appointments, dentists will carefully examine your teeth and gums, looking for signs of infection or decay. They may also take X-rays to get a more detailed view of the tooth’s structure and roots. If any signs of infection or damage are detected, further evaluation may be required.
In some cases, patients may experience persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or discolouration of the tooth. These symptoms can also indicate the need for root canal therapy. Amazing Smiles Dental will conduct a thorough examination, including testing the tooth’s response to stimuli and evaluating any visible signs of infection or decay.
Based on their findings, they will determine if root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth and alleviate your symptoms. Early detection through regular check-ups enables prompt intervention and helps prevent the spread of infection, ultimately preserving your natural tooth and promoting oral health.
We Can Help Stop Tooth Pain!
At Amazing Smiles, our experienced dentists understand the discomfort and inconvenience caused by tooth pain. We are dedicated to providing effective and compassionate care to alleviate your tooth pain. Our dentists are skilled in performing root canal therapy, a procedure designed to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, relieving pain and saving the natural tooth. With our expertise and commitment to patient comfort, we can help stop your tooth pain and restore your oral health, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free and healthy smile.
Prevent Tooth Loss
Additionally, leaving a tooth untreated can result in the loss of the tooth. As the infection progresses, it can weaken the tooth structure, causing it to become brittle and prone to fractures. In some cases, the tooth may become so damaged that it cannot be saved, requiring extraction. Losing a natural tooth can lead to various oral health problems, including difficulty chewing, shifting of neighboring teeth, and potential changes in bite alignment.
It is crucial to seek timely treatment for root canal therapy to prevent these complications. At Amazing Smiles, our skilled dentists are here to help. We provide prompt and effective root canal therapy to save your natural tooth and protect your oral health. Don’t wait until the situation worsens—schedule a consultation with us and let us take care of your dental needs.
When an infected tooth is not treated, patients increase the risk of bacteria spreading past the tooth. As a result, the condition can reach the gum, bone and eventually into the bloodstream.
Dental abscesses are caused when an infection reaches past the tooth and into the gum, causing swelling and bleeding in the gums. Gum abscesses are extremely painful and jeopardize the health of your gums.
Tooth loss can also, unfortunately, occur due to neglected tooth infection.
Root canal treatment is a simple procedure, only requiring a crown to be placed to restore your tooth and protect the remaining structure. This process is less problematic and invasive than missing tooth options, which may include dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, you must contact your nearest dentist to arrange an initial consultation to diagnose your oral health condition.
The procedure can cause some discomfort, but most patients report feeling only pressure and vibration during the procedure. After the procedure, the patient may experience some soreness and sensitivity, but these symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs.
In some cases, the tooth may be tender or sensitive for a few days after the procedure, especially if there was a significant infection or inflammation present before the root canal. However, this discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with pain medication.
It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the dentist to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Patients should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration (such as a crown or filling) is placed, and maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent infection and promote healing.
In general, root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth and alleviate pain and discomfort. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. If you have concerns about the root canal procedure or experience significant pain or discomfort, it is important to discuss these concerns with your dentist.
When dentists remove the infected tissue and clean the inside of your tooth, you’re safe from the risk of recurrence. If the infection has travelled far into the tooth’s root and the gum, complicated cases are referred to an endodontist specialist.
When an infected tooth is not treated, patients increase the risk of bacteria spreading past the tooth. As a result, the condition can reach the gum, bone and eventually into the bloodstream.
Dental abscesses is caused when an infection reaches past the tooth and into the gum, causing swelling and bleeding in the gums. Gum abscesses are extremely painful and jeopardize the health of your gums.
Tooth loss can also, unfortunately, occur due to neglected tooth infection.
The purpose of RCT is to remove an infection from within the tooth while avoiding threatening the tooth. When our dentists perform RCT, we remove the infected, damaged pulp while leaving the tooth in place. With proper care, a treated tooth will last a lifetime! Dentists aim to help save your natural tooth, with extractions being a last resort.
Patients often experience pain during treatment, usually caused by a tooth infection. As a result, the general public has a perceived fear of root canal therapy causing discomfort, while the source of the pain is the infection. All professional dentists want to prevent causing hurt to a patient as much as possible. Local anesthesia is applied for the patient to minimize any sensation felt.
There might be other issues that can cause patients tooth pain, which are diagnosed during a consult from your nearest dentist.
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. They undergo additional years of specialized training after completing dental school to become experts in endodontic procedures such as root canal treatments, dental trauma management, and related procedures. They work closely with general dentists to provide comprehensive dental care to patients.
While endodontists primarily specialize in endodontic treatments, they typically do not perform general or cosmetic dentistry procedures. Therefore, they do not perform services such as cleanings, fillings, veneers, orthodontics or extractions. Their expertise lies in diagnosing and treating complex cases involving the dental pulp and root canals. General and Cosmetic Dentists often refer patients to endodontists when specialized treatment for root canals or related issues is needed. In return, an Endodontist then refers patients to or back to their previous dentist.
Root canal therapy is often claimable under private health insurance. At Amazing Smiles, our dedicated dental team can assist you in understanding what is claimable with your private health coverage. Here are some common item codes associated with root canal therapy that may be eligible for reimbursement:
Root Canal Therapy Item Numbers (numbers may differ based on patients’ needs):
- 415 Root canal treatment for anterior tooth (front tooth)
- 416 Complete chemo-mechanical preparation of root canal
– each additional canal - 417 Root canal treatment for premolar tooth
- 418 Root canal treatment for molar tooth
- 419 Extirpation of pulp or debridement of root canal(s)
- 421 Resorbable root canal filling – primary tooth
- 431 Periapical curettage – per root
- 432 Apicectomy – per root
- Retreatment
- 453 Removal or bypassing fractured endodontic instrument
- 455 Additional appointment for irrigation and/or dressing of root
canal system – per tooth
Please note that item codes and coverage can vary depending on your insurance policy. We recommend contacting your private health insurance provider or speaking with our knowledgeable dental team to verify your plan’s coverage details for root canal therapy.
We accept all major health funds
