Root Canals
Root canals have gotten a bad reputation, but us dentists don’t know why! These are the types of treatments that actually make you feel better!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Root canal therapy can save a tooth that has become severely infected or decayed. When diagnosis indicates the need for a root canal treatment, our first priority is our patients’ peace of mind. Offering an extensive menu of pain-management options, our first order of business is to ensure that our patients are at-ease about the procedure. Dr Smetanina in Albert Park makes root canal therapy as relaxing as possible.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL
-Spontaneous pain even when you’re not eating or drinking
-Pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night
-Toothache that worsens when pressure is applied or when eating
-Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
-Recurring swelling of the gums
-Tenderness in the gums
-Extreme sensitivity to cold or heat
Ignoring these signs or symptoms can be detrimental to your oral health, and may lead to further complications including increased pain or an abscessed tooth. If you are unsure about any of the symptoms you’re experiencing, Schedule an appointment with Lumi Dental, Albert Park, Melbourne, for a consultation and evaluation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
For most patients, a root canal can be performed in two visits. Our pre-treatment preparation ensures that both the tooth and the affected area are fully anesthetized for the entire procedure. In most cases, once the tooth is repaired, we recommend protecting it with a porcelain crown to prevent fracture.
DURING YOUR ROOT CANAL
After full anaesthesia is achieved, treatment will be completed in either one or two appointments based on the health of the pulpal tissue. If your tooth was severely infected, we may opt to place a medication in your canals for one or two weeks before completing the root canal to effectively decontaminate the area. A temporary filling will be used in between treatments to keep the area sterile. The height of the tooth is reduced so that this new tooth is not an active player in the bite.
AFTER YOUR ROOT CANAL
After treatment, you may experience similar pain than before treatment for about two days. You should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth for a couple of days or until the tenderness has subsided. Dr. Smetanina will prescribe a final restoration for the tooth. It’s important to remember that teeth with root canals have a higher percentage of fracture as well.
FAQs
You will not feel any pain during your root canal procedure because of the local anaesthesia your dentist uses. Removal of the infection will diminish the pain you felt before your treatment.
Root canals are highly successful treatments for infections in the teeth and typically last a lifetime.
Receiving a root canal effectively treats a tooth infection while preserving your natural tooth. This saves your tooth and diminishes your need for bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
If you notice tooth pain associated with an infection, the pain can get worse. Delaying your treatment can result in further dental complications, including tooth loss, heightened infection, and acute abscess.
A tooth that needs a root canal cannot heal itself. The infected area inside the tooth will worsen if not treated. Even without pain, you should still receive dental treatment for an infected tooth.