Root Canal Therapy Sydney and Canberra

A Process Focused on Relief and Restoration

1. Diagnosis and X-Ray

The process begins with a thorough examination and a dental x-ray. This allows your dentist to see the shape of the root canals and determine the extent of the infection.

2. Ensuring Complete Comfort

A local anaesthetic is administered to completely numb the tooth and surrounding area. A small, protective sheet called a “dental dam” is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.

3. Cleaning the Root Canal

Your dentist makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp. Specialised instruments are then used to carefully remove the infected pulp, clean, and shape the inside of the root canals.

4. Filling and Sealing the Canal

After the space is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it is filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. It is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

5. Final Restoration

A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy often requires a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect it from fracture and restore its full function. This will be planned with you by your dentist.

Wearing Their Cosmetique Dental™ Smile, Their Way

FAQs About Root Canal Therapy Sydney and Canberra

• Is root canal therapy painful?

  No, the procedure itself should not be painful. Root canal therapy is performed to relieve the pain caused by a dental infection. With modern techniques and effective local anaesthetics, the experience is typically comparable to having a routine filling placed.

  It is the infection, not the treatment, that causes pain. Once the anaesthetic is administered, you should be comfortable throughout the procedure. Any mild tenderness experienced for a few days afterwards can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication.

• What happens if I don't have the treatment?

  If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread from the root canal into the surrounding jawbone, leading to the formation of a painful abscess. This can cause significant damage to the bone and may pose a risk to your overall health. Ultimately, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.

  Choosing root canal therapy allows you to save your natural tooth, which is always the best option. Saving the tooth helps to maintain your natural bite, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, and avoid the need for more complex and costly replacement procedures like a bridge or dental implant.

• Will my tooth need a crown after the root canal?

  In most cases, yes. A tooth that requires root canal therapy has often been weakened by extensive decay or a large filling. Furthermore, the procedure itself involves removing the tooth’s nerve and blood supply, which can make it more brittle over time.

  Placing a dental crown over the treated tooth is highly recommended to provide the necessary strength and protection against future fracture. The crown restores the tooth’s full function and ensures its long-term survival, allowing you to chew on it with confidence. Your dentist will discuss the best permanent restoration for your tooth.

• Will I feel pain after a root canal?

  It is normal to experience some tenderness or mild discomfort for a few days. This is usually manageable with medication and improves as healing progresses.