Root Canal Therapy

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment involves saving a tooth that is decayed and otherwise would need to be removed. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with medicated dental materials which restore the tooth to its full function.

Reasons For Root Canal Therapy:

Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
Injury or trauma to the tooth such as a crack in the tooth

A model of a tooth on a calendar with the words root canal treatment.

Signs And Symptoms For Possible Root Canal Therapy:

An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Severe toothache pain
Sometimes no symptoms are present
Swelling and/or tenderness

An illustration of a woman with a toothache.

What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infections from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two (2) or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.

The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

For more information or to book a check-up with one of our experienced dentists in Brisbane or Gold Coast, contact us today.