Endodontics

Root canal treatment involves drilling a hole into a decayed tooth and removing the soft centre, known as the dental pulp. The dental pulp is made up of connective tissue, nerves and blood supply, and extends into the roots of the tooth. The crown, or surface of the tooth that is used for chewing, may also be replaced if necessary.

If the dental pulp becomes inflamed, diseased, or dead, a root canal treatment removes it and replaces it with a filling. This saves the tooth from becoming further diseased and prevents the need for it to be extracted.

When is root canal therapy necessary?

At Northern Beaches Dental Practice, we may recommend root canal therapy if:

• infection caused by deep decay or a large filling
• advanced gum disease
• trauma, such as a blow to a tooth or constant striking of a tooth by teeth on the opposite jaw
• a fracture in the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter
• teeth grinding

The symptoms of damaged, diseased, or inflamed dental pulp requiring root canal therapy include:

• pain and pressure at the site of the tooth
• hot and cold sensitivity
• mobility of the tooth
• swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth
• discolouration or darkening of the tooth
• the presence of pus at the site of the tooth
• facial swelling

Your dentist will use your symptoms, an examination of the tooth and x-rays to determine if you need to have a root canal treatment in order to save the tooth.

Is root canal treatment painful?

No. In fact, it will relieve the often-painful symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of damage to the pulp of your tooth.

Your dentist will numb the area and, if you are very concerned, you can ask for sedation. You may feel some pressure or discomfort during the procedure, but not pain.