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What Exactly is a Root Canal
A root canal is the central chamber of the tooth. It’s also known as the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber looks more like a crown and it contains connective tissues and nerves.
These nerves carry signals to the brain, so when your tooth gets infected and the nerves remain exposed, you become sensitive to hot or cold foods. This is just the start. If the tooth isn’t treated, the decay will spread further. You may end up suffering from an abscess or loss of tooth. So what does the treatment entail? Let’s find out.
Endodontics
An endodontic specialist is someone who treats disorders of the pulp chamber. If your tooth has developed sensitivity, you’ll likely need the services of an endodontist. The dentist will first use a special tool to drill through the dentin of the affected tooth. This helps to widen the pulp chamber. He then cleans out the infected pulp using small root canal files. He will also use a chemical compound known as sodium hypochlorite to flush the chamber of all unwanted particles.
Lastly, he will apply medication to the walls of the canal and seal the passage with a temporary filling. The dentist repeats this procedure a few times before finally filling the empty canal with a material called gutta percha. After performing root canal treatment, your dentist will restore the tooth with a dental crown.
Dental Crown Fittings
Before placing a crown over the tooth, the dentist contours the tooth. After this, he takes impressions of the tooth and sends them to the lab. Once the crown is ready, your dentist will cement it over your reshaped tooth. The end result is a fully functional tooth that allows you to chew normally.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Root canal therapy is not painful if the patient receives local anaesthesia. Advances in dental medicine allow the patient to undergo any dental procedure under sedation. So if you’re anxious about dental visits, you could opt for sleep dentistry. This doesn’t mean you will be completely unconscious. You will receive sedatives and pain control medication intravenously. So you’ll feel relaxed during your visit.
What Happens After Root Canal Therapy?
There are many sittings involved in root canal therapy. If the tooth is still under treatment, you will have to follow a few rules. Brush and floss regularly, to keep your oral cavity free from bacteria. Also avoid chewing food with the affected tooth.
You may feel a little discomfort after the first sitting, especially when the local anaesthesia wears off. Take pain killers as per your doctor’s instructions.
Root canal therapies have a high success rate, but it’s important to find a good dental practitioner who is an expert in endodontics.
Sleep Dentistry in Brunswick
If you live in Brunswick, Preston or the neighbouring suburbs, visit Coburg Dental Group. We offer general, preventive and laser dentistry at affordable prices. We began serving the community more than 80 years ago and we’re still committed to offering high quality family and cosmetic dentistry.
Our services include tooth restoration, teeth whitening, oral cancer screening and tooth extraction. We also offer sleep apnoea therapy, dental implants and laser dentistry. So whether you’re looking for an experienced adult or paediatric dentist in North Melbourne, give us a call on 03 9386 1805 to make a booking. We’ll help you find the right solution for your dental problems.
