Root Canal Treatment
While it's common for root canals to have a bad reputation, they are actually designed to save troubled teeth from extraction. At North Brisbane Dental Clinic, we use the latest technology to help keep root canal procedures comfortable and successful.
Symptoms Leading to Root Canal Treatment
Typically, the first sign that a root canal is required is the presence of pain and swelling. Occasionally, an infected root may be asymptomatic and appear on routine dental x-rays.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the nerve or tissue inside the tooth develops an infection. Because of nerve involvement, pain and sensitivity can alert you that something is wrong. Any time you experience dental pain, it's a good idea to have an evaluation.
Common signs of an infected tooth:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Discolouration
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain when chewing or with pressure
- A small bump on the gums
If you experience a dental emergency, our dentists in Brisbane strive to address the condition quickly to provide fast relief.
Root Canal Treatment in North Brisbane
As with all procedures in our surgery, patient comfort is our top priority. We will make sure your tooth is completely numb before getting started. If you feel nervous about dental procedures, let us know, so we can take extra care to ensure you're comfortable and relaxed.
Your dentist in Brisbane will make a small access point in the tooth to clean out the infection, damaged tissue and bacteria before filling the canal, applying medication and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. This process can be completed in a single visit, but can sometimes take 2-3 visits, depending on the degree of infection in the tooth and the complexity of the tooth anatomy.
We use the latest rotary endodontic instruments for faster, more precise root canal procedures.
What to Expect after Root Canal Therapy
Once your treatment is complete, your body will begin to heal. It is common to feel slight pressure or sensitivity for a few days after treatment until the inflammation completely resolves. You may wish to take an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain medication to manage the discomfort for a day or two.
Once your tooth completely heals, we will protect it with a permanent restoration. In most cases, a dental crown provides the greatest stability. Dental crowns cover the tooth like a protective helmet and absorb some of the force from chewing. This is an important step in the treatment process since root canal-treated teeth are more brittle and may fracture.
Why We Save Natural Teeth
Root canal therapy and a dental crown may seem like heroic efforts to save a single tooth. The reason we strive to save your natural teeth whenever possible is that tooth loss and dental extractions leave a gap in your smile and are often more complex and costly to replace than keeping the teeth you have.
Do You Have a Toothache?
Our dental surgery, located in Wooloowin, welcomes new patients on an emergency basis. Don't let dental pain disrupt your regular activities. Our North Brisbane dental team is here to help you enjoy a comfortable and healthy smile.
