Root canal treatment is designed to save a tooth from extraction
There is nothing better for your oral health than your natural tooth. A natural tooth provides support your surrounding teeth and gums. A natural tooth also provides the necessary stimulation to maintain a healthy jawbone.
4 signs and symptoms you may require root canal treatment
Four signs and symptoms indicative of an infected tooth include:
- A tooth turns dark in colour because of the necrotic (dead) pulp which leaches into the enamel of your tooth.
What this means is that the infection damages the tissue in the tooth, and the tooth pulp dies. This turns your tooth black.
- Painful to eat or pressing on the tooth.
The infection, in the form of an abscess, spreads and affects the bone and gum making it painful to chew and place any pressure on the tooth.
- Pus-filled swelling or a pimple on the gum.
This is called a “draining fistula” and will sometimes rupture so it can release the pus. Other signs of infection include a bad taste in your mouth.
- Swollen face or jaw
If your face or jaw is swollen this often indicates infection. Swelling in the jaw can also cause you pain.
Alleviate pain with root canal treatment
One of the biggest myths of root canal treatment is, it’s one of the most painful treatments. With microscopic dentistry and modern anaesthesia techniques, a root canal treatment is no more painful than having a filling.
The aim of root canal treatment is to alleviate the pain and discomfort of infection. By removing the infected pulp and roots and replacing them with a special filling, you’ll no longer be in severe pain. Depending on the severity of your condition you might need a dental crown to protect your treated tooth.
It is important to remember that the aim of this treatment is to save your tooth from extraction and alleviate pain.
What’s involved with root canal treatment?
During your initial consultation, one of our Redlands Gentle Dental Care dentists will assess your oral health and determine the best treatment for you.
If it is determined to root canal treatment is the best treatment for you, we will tailor a treatment plan to suit your oral health needs. The state of your tooth and how far the infection has spread will, in part, dictate how many treatments will be necessary to heal your tooth.
Typically, this treatment can take up to 4 appointments. It can also extend out to six if you need a dental crown to protect the treated tooth.
The treatment involves cleaning out the infected tooth pulp from the tooth and filling the tooth with a special filling. The nerves of the tooth are part of the pulp, and once they are removed it is unlikely you’ll feel anything in that tooth. But the tooth will still provide the necessary support and functionality.
If you would like to know more about root canal treatment, please contact us today.
