At Dentistry with Care Chatswood we believe that root canal treatments can be a valuable way of saving a tooth and delaying the need for a more expensive and invasive implant.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is also known as endodontic treatment and it may be needed when tooth decay penetrates the outer layers of a tooth and reaches the inner soft core or ‘dental pulp’.
We help you prevent the need for root canal treatments by preventing tooth decay with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, or treating the decay in its early stages with a simple filling.
Why would I need root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment fixes problems with a tooth’s soft core or ‘dental pulp’. Dental pulp lies within the tooth, extending from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root. It contains nerves, connective tissue and blood and lymph vessels which provide oxygen, nutrients and feeling to the tooth. It also regulates the growth and development of the tooth during childhood.
Root canal treatment involves removing any diseased or dead pulp and replacing it with a filling in order to prevent the tooth from being extracted.
We recommend root canal treatment in cases of:
- infection caused by deep decay or a large filling
- Advanced gum disease
- trauma, such as a blow to a tooth or constant striking of a tooth by teeth on the opposite jaw
- a fracture in the tooth allowing bacteria to enter
- teeth grinding causing damage to the tooth.
How do I know if I need root canal treatment?
We will discuss your treatment options with you during your appointment.
The symptoms of damaged, diseased or inflamed dental pulp requiring root canal treatment include:
- pain and pressure at the site of the tooth
- hot and cold sensitivity
- mobility of the tooth
- swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth discolouration or darkening of the tooth
- the presence of puss at the site of the tooth
- facial swelling
If you have any of these symptoms, we’ll make our diagnosis for root canal treatment based on what you are experiencing, an examination and x-rays of the tooth.
State of the art equipment
At Dentistry with Care Chatswood we use a rotary machine for our root canal treatments for a high-quality result and shorter treatment time.
What are the benefits of root canal treatment?
The main aim and benefit of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that we would otherwise need to remove. We consider retaining natural teeth to be the best solution from a dental perspective. Our aim is to prevent the need for replacement teeth, which can be time-consuming, painful and costly.
Considerations
If a tooth requiring root canal treatment is left untreated, widespread gum and connective tissue infection may result as well as loss of the tooth. It is advisable to visit your dentist at the first sign of any of the above symptoms associated with damaged, diseased or inflamed dental pulp.
