Root Canal Therapy

This procedure is required when a tooth is heavily affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria and any decay are removed. After cleaning and re-shaping the canal cavity, fillers are inserted to prevent bacteria from re-entering the nerve system.

Most often root canals are performed to retain functionality and aesthetics within a tooth. Many patients believe removing a tooth that has problems is the only solution. However, restoring a natural tooth with therapy can be cheaper than implants and cause less problems for adjacent teeth.

Signs and Symptoms

• Severe tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold liquids
• Swelling and/or tenderness
• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums

In many cases, the need for root canal treatment is not based on symptoms alone. While pain, sensitivity or swelling can be warning signs, root canal therapy is often confirmed through a combination of a clinical examination and diagnostic X-rays. These X-rays allow your dentist to identify infection, inflammation or damage to the tooth pulp that cannot be seen from the outside.

One of the most common concerns patients have is whether root canal treatment is painful. Modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With current techniques and effective local anaesthetic, most patients find the procedure comfortable and comparable to having a filling placed.

Our Pakenham dentist team takes a gentle, calm approach and explains each step so you feel informed and at ease throughout your visit.

A root canal procedure requires several appointments and can be performed by a dentist or periodontist (root canal specialist). Under local anaesthetic, a rubber dam (sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva. An opening is made on the tooth and canal files are placed into the opening to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent or temporary filling.

In the following appointment, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with a special dental material. A filling or crown will be placed to cover the opening on the top of the tooth to protect and prevent it from breaking, restoring it to it's full function. After treatment your teeth may be sensitive, but it will slowly diminish as the inflammation recedes.