What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is performed when the internal pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can cause severe pain and swelling surrounding the tooth because the tooth nerve lies within the root canal inside the tooth. The pulp or nerve may become infected due to tooth decay, a crack, chip, excessive fillings or trauma to the tooth. All of these scenarios allow bacteria to enter the internal pulp causing infection.
In order to salvage the tooth, endodontic treatment otherwise known as root canal therapy can be performed. Root canal therapy removes the internal pulp (including the nerve and infecting bacteria) in order to get rid of the infection.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
If you are suffering from the following symptoms, call Oasis Dental Studio as soon as possible to organise an appointment:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks
- A change in colour of the tooth
- Inflammation of the gums surrounding the painful tooth
- A sore or ulcer on the gum that is recurring
Root Canal Treatment Process
Root canal therapy is performed over two appointments.
Step 1: An X-ray is taken to assess the severity of the case and the individual shape of the canal.
Step 2: A rubber dam is placed over the damaged tooth to isolate it from saliva and bacteria. From here your dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp. All pulp tissue is removed through this opening. This process shouldn’t hurt as the nerve is dead. Water and an antibacterial flush are used to ensure no trace of bacteria is left inside the tooth. After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the canal and small opening are sealed with a temporary filling.
Step 3: At the second appointment, a permanent sealing paste is used to fill the canal and access hole and a filling is placed. Sometimes a significant amount of pulp is removed through the root canal treatment. If this is the case you will be fitted with a dental crown – a tooth coloured cap that sits over the damaged tooth to add strength and protect it from further damage.
Contact Oasis Dental Today for Gold Coast’s Trusted Root Canal Dentist
If you’re looking for an experienced dentist for root canal treatment on the Gold Coast, contact one of our studios today:
