The Basics Of Root Canal Therapy

Also known as endodontics, root canal treatment is required when the nerve supply of your tooth, also referred to as the pulp gets infected through injury or decay. During the initial infection stages, you might in fact not experience any pain. In a number of instances, the tooth may darken in its colour, probably meaning that the nerve of that particular tooth is dying or has died. This is when root canal treatment becomes necessary.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Once your dental pulp gets infected, it could spread through your tooth root canal system. In due course this could lead to an abscess or gumboil. This is an inflamed dental area where pus collects and may cause the swelling of those tissues near the tooth. If the root canal treatment does not get carried out, the dental infection may spread and your tooth might require being plucked out.

What Are The Signs That I Need Root Canal Therapy?

- Relentless toothache pain upon application of pressure or chewing

- Prolonged sensitivity accompanied by pain to cold or hot temperatures

- Discoloration or tooth darkening

- Gum tenderness plus swelling

- A persistent pimple on the gums

What Happens After Therapy?

According to the American Association of Endodontists website, modern root canal therapy is extremely similar to getting a routine tooth filling and typically could get done in 1 or 2 appointments, dependent on individual circumstances and the condition of the affected tooth.

For the initial few days after the treatment completion, your tooth might feel sensitive owing to inflammation of natural tissue, in particular if there was infection or pain prior to the procedure. This discomfort or sensitivity however more often than not is managed with pain medications. Majority of patients may be able to resume their normal activities the following day.

In terms of oral health care, floss and brush as you normally would, and visit your dentist at scheduled intervals. Since the final step of the procedure is the application of some dental restoration such as a filling or a crown, it does not become obvious to an onlooker that you got a root canal performed.

The treatment is extremely successful; with a success rate of 95%. Most teeth that get fixed through this therapy could last a whole lifetime.

Root Canal Alternatives

To save your own natural teeth is naturally the best option, if that is possible. Natural teeth enable you to eat a broad range of foods that are necessary to the maintenance of suitable nutrition.

The International Endodontic Journal, Vol 39 Issue 12 recommends that where there are optional treatments available or presence of any special problems, these ought to be discussed and explained with the concerned patient together with the probable prognosis and documented. It is a good medical practice to supply the patient with relevant written information. It also ought to be recorded that the patient did agree to the recommended treatment.

However, the only viable and lasting alternative to this procedure is to have the tooth pulled out. Your tooth could then get replaced with an implant, a bridge or removable dentures to prevent the nearby teeth from shifting and to restore some chewing function. These alternatives are however, not only more costly compared to the root canal therapy but also require extra treatment time and further procedures to your adjacent teeth and the supporting tissues.


----------------------------------------------------
Be Well Dental has over the years perfected their practice. Their dentists led by Dr. Bao are experts at the carrying out the toot canal procedure. You are in responsible hands when you visit Be Well Dental for all your oral health needs. For a thorough dental check up, visit Be Well Dental, or logon to http://www.bewelldental.com.au/service/root-canal-therapy/ .