Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal (Endodontics):

Root canal treatment is as effective for pain relief as tooth extraction, with the greatest benefit of saving the natural tooth. The treatment usually takes 1 visit except in severe infection case. A properly treated tooth will remain as healthy as the rest of the teeth, with a proper oral hygiene routine.

Root canal treatment involves removing the centre part of the tooth called pulp. A root canal is usually performed when the decay is so deep into the tooth that it touches the pulp. Root canal treatment is also effective for advanced gum disease and teeth damaged by trauma.

Symptoms for root canal problems include:

• Spontaneous pain
• Sensitive to cold/hot food and beverages
• Pain when chewing /biting
• Swelling or oozing of gum

We will make you comfortable throughout your treatment. A local anaesthetic will be used to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort around the affected area during the procedure.

At Dr.Sushma Dental, we have a skilled team of dentists and endodontists – a dentist who specialises in root canal treatment – who perform root canal therapy to the highest standard. We use the latest technologies and equipment to make sure you get the best results and your tooth remains pain free and in place for many years to come.

If you’re suffering from the pain of an infected tooth, you may need a root canal. Take the first step and contact our friendly team to arrange a consultation.

During the procedure local anaesthesia will be used so that your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for a couple hours. Avoid any chewing on the side of the treated tooth until the numbness has completely worn off. A temporary filling or crown is placed by your dentist to protect the tooth between appointments. Between appointments, it's common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling or crown to wear away or break off. If the entire filling falls out, or if a temporary crown comes off, please call our office so it can be replaced.

It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal therapy appointment, especially when chewing. It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after receiving root canal therapy. This should subside within a few days (or even weeks). Even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment, it is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days after. The tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended by your dentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with pain medications or should swelling develop, please call our office. To further reduce pain and swelling, rinse three times a day with warm salt water; dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then rinse, swish, and spit.

It's important to continue to brush and floss normally. Usually, the last step after root canal treatment is the placement of a crown on the tooth.

A crown covers and protects the tooth from breaking in the future. Unless otherwise noted by the dentist, it is critical to have a crown placed on your root canal therapy treated tooth as soon as possible. Delay in obtaining final restoration (crown) may result in fracture and/or possible loss of the tooth. If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our dental practice.