Root canal treatments. The consequences of delaying treatment may be dire

The main goal of the Root Canal Treatment (also called “endodontic” treatment) is to minimise further damage to the infected or decayed tooth as a means of preserving it, hence avoiding extraction and permanent tooth loss.

Your own tooth is likely to be stronger and better for biting and chewing.

It may be necessary to have several visits to the dentist to have the root canals cleaned and the infected pulp to be removed. After each visit, our Caulfield dentist will place a temporary filling. A root treated tooth is at increased risk of fracture and we will usually recommend the protection of an artificial crown.

Root Canal Treatment cost

Indicative Fee: $900-$1600. Root Canal Treatment is usually less costly than extracting a tooth and replacing it with an artificial one.

Root canal treatment is a complex procedure and cost will vary depending on the type of tooth and difficulty of the treatment. In general the back teeth (molars) are more difficult to treat than front teeth.

Although the tooth extraction procedure is less expensive than a root canal, the gap left from removal of the infected tooth will need to be filled by a dental implant or a dental bridge and these are more expensive than saving a tooth in the long term. If a gap is left unattended, this can lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, poor bite and decreased chewing efficiency.

What is a Root Canal and what does treatment involve?

Each tooth may be divided into two parts, namely the crown and the root. The root of the tooth is the portion that lies below the gum line and where you would locate its nerves.

The root’s surrounding tissue, known as the pulp, is what supplies the nourishment to the tooth to keep it healthy. When the root or the pulp gets infected leading to a root-level decay, it becomes necessary to remove them to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Root canal refers to the procedure of removing the infected root and pulp of the tooth, cleaning out the inside of the tooth and sealing it for protection.

Aren’t Root Canal Treatments painful?

For some people, the term “root canal” is associated with the feeling of intense pain.

In reality, the bulk of the pain that a root canal patient feels has more to do with the condition itself than the treatment. Root Canal treatments actually play a critical role in restoring health and function to a severely decayed tooth. The procedure is no more painful than any other dental treatments but in fact, helps to relieve the pain while preventing further – and permanent – destruction to the tooth.

Our dentist and staff take a comprehensive approach to the root canal treatment. By integrating modern techniques like pain-free dentistry into our treatment protocols, we are able to ensure safe and minimally invasive care for all our root canal patients.

How do I know if I need Root Canal Treatment?

One of the main causes of a root canal problem is that of a deep decay, which can lead to infections – in a worst-case scenario, death of the tooth. This calls for immediate dental attention and may involve the use of antibiotics to stem the infection.

A tooth may also be rendered vulnerable by a sustained blow or injury, in which case swelling and pain around the impacted region is usually present. Whatever the cause may be, always visit a dentist to evaluate the problem whenever a tooth starts to bother you.

There are many signs that may indicate the need for root canal therapy. While it is true that some patients exhibit little or no symptoms at all, there are signs that may suggest problems lying in the deeper ends of your tooth.

Here are some of the signs that you may require a root canal:

• Tooth sensitivity: to hot or cold temperatures or food and drink.
• Pain: this can range from a dull ache all the way to severe and agonizing dental pain. Some people infection will become very painful in a short period of time. Tooth pain, whether small or large, is an indication you need to visit the dentist as soon as you possibly can

• Tooth becomes darkened or discoloured
• Toothache due to biting, chewing or other forms of pressure on the tooth
• Recurring abscess or pimples on the gums
• Gum swelling or soreness

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact GlenHuntly Dental at (03) 9571 4500.