How does a dentist do a root canal treatment?

Have you experienced prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, swelling of the gums, tenderness when chewing or simply touching your cheek? Well, you’re not alone. There are multiple symptoms which can point to you needing a root canal treatment. At Adelaide Dental, we are committed to making the procedure as painless as possible and have multiple luxurious relaxation techniques you can choose from, so if you’re looking for a dentist in Adelaide who can make this procedure a little less scary– we’re here for you!

 

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure meant to save an infected or decayed tooth –typically caused by an untreated cavity, a cracked tooth, or tooth trauma. The treatment requires removing any decay or damage to the tooth, afterwards cleaning the area and sealing it using a filling material of your choice. Understanding the importance of the procedure is essential since pulp damage can easily lead to inflammation or infections -causing pain or even an abscess.

 

How does a dentist do a root canal treatment?

The treatment can be viewed as a four-step procedure which typically requires two or more visits. At Adelaide Dental, the process begins once a local anesthetic is administered in order to numb the tooth –making the procedure relatively painless. Although you can’t escape feeling a small pinch once the needle goes into the tooth, the rest will be a piece of cake.

Using small and anxiety-free dentist tools, an opening will be created inside the tooth. Afterward, the dentist will file the decay or damage, shaping the inner tooth chamber to get a clean and healthy pulp. In some cases, an antibacterial solution is also applied to kill any potential bacteria –reducing the possibility of an infection, long-term. After the cleaning has been thoroughly done and the area is dry, the dentist will insert a rubber-like material and close the hole in the tooth with a temporary filling. This is done until a crown or another treatment is ready to be fitted.

In a couple of weeks, you’ll be back in the dentist’s chair to finish the procedure. You can rest assured that our team will make sure that the restoration will match the attractive natural appearance of your other teeth, and that results will be long-lasting.

 

Aftercare treatment

A root canal treatment is expected to last years to come –provided you take care of your good-looking results. An occasional visit should be done for your peace of mind – X-ray imagining can ensure that any infections have cleared up. It’s not uncommon for patients to even book one of two dental cleanings in advance, for added assurance.

Don’t forget to practice thorough oral hygiene at home, brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-friendly toothpaste. With care, it’s possible for a root canal procedure to make your tooth stay healthy for the rest of your life!

If you’re ready to have your root canal treated by a dentist in Adelaide then visit us! We are located in 3/51 Rundle Mall, and we take pride in being able to create a comfortable and painless dental plan for you!