Everything You Need to Know About Root Canals

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to remove bacteria from the inside of your tooth. While a cavity affects the top part of the tooth, a simple filling is sufficient to treat it. If the infection moves deeper, however, it requires a root canal. If left untreated the tooth will become infected and, eventually, completely decay.

Northern Beaches Dental has done thousands of root canal treatments, and we promise, the procedure is nothing to worry about. You should, however, be concerned about neglecting to take action to save your infected tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is a serious procedure, but it’s also very common. The process is similar to a routine filling for a cavity.

Underneath the enamel of your tooth is a hard layer called dentin. The innermost part of your tooth is a soft tissue called pulp. Pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues to help your teeth grow when you are an adolescent. By the time you reach adulthood, your teeth no longer need to grow, so adult teeth can survive without pulp.

When the pulp becomes inflamed and infected, a root canal is in order. During the root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp.

If that sounds scary, there’s no need to worry. Since you’re given anaesthesia, a root canal doesn’t hurt any more or less than a filling. However, you will likely experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure, unlike the aftermath of a filling.

How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal

Root canals are a great treatment option for deep cavities, to save cracked teeth, and to reverse issues from a previous filling. Here are some symptoms you may experience if you need a root canal:

• High sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Pain while chewing
• Swollen bumps or abscesses on the gums
• Tender or inflamed gums
• Darkening gums
• A chipped or broken tooth

Just because you’re experiencing the above symptoms does not mean you need a root canal. Toothaches can also indicate:

• Gum disease
• A cavity
• Damaged filling
• Impacted tooth or tooth infection
• A predisposition to sensitive teeth

Scheduling an appointment with your general dentist is imperative to rule out or diagnose these other problems. A toothache is almost always a sign of something greater that requires prompt attention. Failure to address any problems stemming from a toothache, including a root canal, can have lasting effects on your oral health.

How to Prevent Root Canals

Whether you have a root canal now or want to ensure you never do, good oral hygiene practices are paramount.

• Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages
• Visit your dentist frequently for an exam and professional cleaning

Root Canal Procedure in Frenchs Forest

Our dental professionals in Frenchs Forest can complete your root canal procedure. It usually only requires one or two appointments and there’s little downtime. Don’t suffer through tooth pain, make an appointment today! Call us on 02 9190 6925.