Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage within the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.

This treatment aims to save the tooth and alleviate pain by removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection.

At Dental On Magill in Adelaide, we provide expert root canal treatment to restore and preserve your natural teeth.

To book a checkup to to confirm the need for a root canal please give our team at either dental clinic a call.

Why Might You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment may be necessary for several reasons:

  • Severe Tooth Decay: Extensive decay that reaches the tooth’s pulp can cause infection, necessitating root canal therapy to save the tooth.
  • Trauma or Injury: A cracked or broken tooth due to injury can expose the pulp, leading to infection and requiring root canal treatment.
  • Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple procedures on a single tooth can cause pulp inflammation or infection.
  • Deep Fillings: Deep cavities that are close to the pulp can sometimes lead to pulp infection or inflammation.
  • Abscessed Tooth: An abscess, or a pus-filled pocket at the tooth’s root, indicates a severe infection that can be treated with root canal therapy.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for Root Canal Treatment

Common symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal treatment include:

  • Severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums
  • Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
  • Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

The Root Canal Treatment Process

At Dental On Magill, we ensure a comfortable and efficient root canal treatment process:

  1. Initial Consultation: During your initial visit, our experienced dentists will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and discuss your symptoms. This helps us determine if root canal treatment is the appropriate course of action.
  2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a pain-free procedure.
  3. Accessing the Pulp: A small opening is made in the tooth’s crown to access the infected or damaged pulp. Special dental instruments are used to remove the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals.
  4. Cleaning and Shaping: The root canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling.
  5. Filling the Canals: The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material is placed to seal the canals and prevent future infection.
  6. Sealing the Tooth: A temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the opening. In most cases, a crown is recommended to restore the tooth’s strength and functionality.

Recovery and Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery following root canal treatment:

  • Pain Management: It is normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this. Your dentist may also prescribe medication if necessary.
  • Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid biting down on hard foods until the tooth is fully restored.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the treated tooth is healing properly and to complete any additional restoration work, such as placing a crown.

Read our Google reviews on Root Canal Treatment in Adelaide

To read more of our reviews on Root Canal Treatment in Adelaide please visit our Google reviews

Book an Appointment By Calling Us

frequently asked root canal treatment questions

Below our the questions and answers we get asked the most about root canal treatment in our two Adelaide dental clinics.

Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, making the procedure itself pain-free. Advances in dental technology and techniques have made root canal therapy much more comfortable than in the past. You may experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically subsides within a few days.

The duration of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the number of canals in the tooth. Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. More complex cases may require additional visits.

The primary alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. However, preserving your natural tooth is generally preferred as it maintains the structure and function of your bite, and prevents other teeth from shifting. If extraction is necessary, options for replacing the missing tooth include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime. It is important to follow good oral hygiene practices, attend regular dental check-ups, and have a crown placed on the treated tooth if recommended by your dentist to ensure its longevity and functionality.

While root canal treatment is highly effective, there is a small chance that a tooth can become reinfected. This can occur if the seal on the tooth breaks down, if the restoration is delayed or inadequate, or if there are undetected cracks or additional canals. If reinfection occurs, a procedure called root canal retreatment can be performed to address the issue.

do you need dental help? get in touch

Located on Magill Road near Glynburn Road

Call Dental On Magill

08 8331 0058

do you need dental help? get in touch

Located on Magill Road near Glynburn Road

Call  Dental On Magill

08 8331 0058