Root Canal Treatment in Balmain
Infected or damaged tooth pulp can be very painful and can lead to tooth loss without treatment. Our dentists in Balmain perform root canal therapy to relieve pain and restore infected teeth to good working order.
Call our friendly team on 02 9810 5507 to find out more about the root canal procedure or book an appointment at our Balmain dental clinic.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
Our dentists will recommend a root canal treatment if we see signs of a damaged or infected pulp. This is the soft tissue inside the roots of your teeth that contains blood vessels and nerve fibres.
If your dental pulp has been damaged by tooth decay or exposed to bacteria, this can cause severe pain and may eventually lead to the tooth dying.
Antibiotics may relieve pain in the short term, but root canal treatment is the only way to completely remove the infection and save an infected tooth. Root canal therapy is successful in around 95% of cases, especially when provided by an experienced dentist.
What are the signs of a pulp infection?
You may have a pulp infection and need a root canal treatment if:
- you have severe toothache, especially when eating
- your teeth feel more sensitive to temperature
- your gums are swollen or tender
- your tooth feels loose, looks darker or shows signs of damage
- you have other possible signs of an infection, such as fever, pus around a tooth or swelling in your face or neck
These symptoms may be caused by a range of problems. Our dentists will complete a detailed assessment to determine whether you could benefit from root canal therapy or another treatment.
What's involved in the root canal procedure?
Root canal treatment in Balmain is provided by our highly qualified and experienced dentists. The procedure may be completed in one session or several visits, depending on the number and size of the root canals.
First, we will isolate the damaged tooth to prevent bacteria from spreading, then drill a hole in the tooth to access and carefully remove the infected pulp tissue. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia or other sedation.
Our dentists will then thoroughly disinfect the root canals and prepare them for a synthetic filling. Once this has been placed, the tooth will be sealed and restored to its original strength and appearance by covering it with a crown.
Does having a root canal hurt?
The most common misconception about root canal treatment is that it’s painful. The truth is, with modern anaesthesia, the procedure is generally no more painful than having a large filling. You may feel mild pain or discomfort for several days afterwards, but you’ll be free from the pain caused by an infected tooth.
If you have anxiety about dental treatments or need additional pain relief, we offer a choice of sedation options on request.
What are the alternatives to a root canal?
The only alternative to root canal treatment for a badly damaged or infected tooth is to have the tooth extracted, but our dentists will recommend trying to save a tooth whenever possible.
An extraction can involve more long-term complications than root canal therapy. If you choose to restore your smile with a replacement tooth such as a dental implant, bridge or denture, this will also cost considerably more.
Root canal therapy FAQs
Dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the canal that runs through the root of your tooth. It consists mainly of blood vessels, tissue fibres and some nerve fibres. Its main function is to regulate the growth and development of teeth. Once the tooth is fully formed, nutrition for the tooth comes from tissues surrounding the root.
The most common cause of pulp damage is deep tooth decay. The pulp may become inflamed or infected, with products of infection spreading through the tip of the root into the surrounding bone, often forming an abscess that causes pain and swelling. Other causes of pulp damage include traumatic blows to teeth, loose fillings, excessive wear and tear of teeth, cracked teeth and gum disease.
Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help. Contact us.
Root canal treatment is a comfortable procedure that involves little or no pain as the tooth is anaesthetised. However, sometimes you may have discomfort after an appointment due to inflammation in the tissues surrounding the tooth. This may take a few days to settle and sometimes a mild analgesic may be required.
Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help. Contact us.
There are many disadvantages to losing a tooth. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the teeth next to the space may move. This may cause teeth to become crooked or crowded, which decreases chewing and biting efficiency. Crowded or crooked teeth may also be more prone to dental disease as they are harder to clean than aligned teeth. As a result, other teeth may be lost if the missing tooth is not replaced.
Root canal treatment can safely and comfortably save a tooth that otherwise would have to be removed. In fact, root canal therapy is successful around 95% of the time.
Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help. Contact us.
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Do you need a root canal in Balmain?
If you’re suffering with tooth pain or sensitivity, our internationally-accredited dentists can help. Call us today on 02 9810 5507 or make an online booking so we can examine your mouth and discuss the best treatment options for you.
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