A root canal treatment attempts to save damaged or infected teeth by removing the blood supply and nerve inside. Then, the tooth is filled with special materials, and the root canal is sealed. Root canal treatment may be necessary if you have a damaged or infected tooth that can’t be treated by other means, including removing the tooth. 

If you think that a problem with your teeth could cause your symptoms, contact your dentist Padstow to discuss treatment options. 

What happens in a root canal?

To begin the root canal, you must first numb up your gums and open up some of the gums near the tooth that needs treatment. Then, you drill into the tooth straight to its main center or nerve chamber. 

You then clean this chamber thoroughly to remove any remnants of blood and bacteria before rinsing with disinfectant for about 15 minutes. Once this is done, your dentist uses a heated metal instrument to kill all the bacteria, which can cause an infection if not properly removed. 

After this is done, your dentist will make a small hole at the top of the root where you first entered it and flush it out with water or air to cleanse any remnants sitting inside. This will be followed by the filling and sealing of the tooth to prevent any more damage from occurring. 

After the procedure

Some patients will experience mild pain and sensitivity after a root canal. This is normal, and it should go away within two weeks as long as you take good care of your treated tooth and gums. If this does not go away, consult your dentist to find out what might be causing this discomfort. It could be that some nerve tissue is still in the tooth, which may need further attention. After root canal treatment, you will most likely have to repeat this procedure for your adjacent teeth because they are also susceptible to damage. 

You should also avoid highly acidic foods or drinks after the procedure because they could irritate your sealed tooth. However, if you can’t help but eat or drink them, make sure to rinse your mouth with water or other alternative drinks. 

You must refrain from chewing on the treated tooth during the two-week treatment period. Doing so might damage it further and cause more trouble in the future. Lastly, you should visit your dentist for a follow-up appointment after a root canal to remove any doubt that the procedure is done correctly. 

It’s essential to note that root canal treatments are highly effective when performed by a qualified dentist. However, it would be of great help if you didn’t wait for the pain to start before looking into your treatment options because the longer you wait, the more difficult it’ll be to treat. 

Root canals are quite common in Australia. Dentists regularly perform the procedures on patients every year, especially if they are experiencing pain because their tooth’s nerve is dying. The process isn’t very complicated and can be done at your local dentist’s office in just one appointment.