ROOT CANAL TREATMENT GOLD COAST & BRISBANE

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment can be necessary to save a tooth damaged by trauma, decay or disease.

Every tooth has a pulp that extends down into the jaw, and Is a vital part of the tooth’s structure. The tooth pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues and provide nourishment to the tooth. Sometimes, through trauma, decay or disease, the pulp of the tooth can be damaged, inflamed, infected or contaminated and may require a root canal treatment. This treatment can save the tooth from being extracted and to prevent bacteria from re-entering the nerve system.

What is root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment can be simple, or complex, depending on the problem facing the tooth. The procedure will happen under local anaesthesia to eliminate pain and discomfort.

First, the dentist will drill a small hole into the tooth to access the problem nerve, debris and pulp. These problematic parts of the tooth will then be extracted and the empty tooth ‘root’ cleaned, shaped and gently scrubbed. A root canal filling will then be placed into the tooth to seal up the empty space where the pulp used to be. An adult tooth can continue to function without the original pulp, as the tissues surrounding it can also provide it with the nourishment it needs.

As a tooth is usually weakened after a root canal treatment, your dentist may suggest that a crown be placed on top of the tooth. Additional X-Rays might also be requested to ensure that the tooth is healthy after the treatment and that the infection has not returned.

How long does a root canal treatment take?

The length of a root canal treatment can vary. As it is one of the more comprehensive and complex dental procedures, with each step taking between 30 to 90 minutes each, you may wish to stagger the stages of the procedure over several days. A consultation with your dentist at Complete Dental in Coorparoo & Elanora can inform you about the duration of your root canal treatment and the best option for your unique case.

Is root canal treatment painful?

There is no need to panic! Although we generally associate root canal treatment as one of the most painful dental procedures, modern dental techniques and the use of anaesthesia have minimised much of the pain and discomfort.

Some pain and sensitivity may be experienced in the days after the root canal treatment, but your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relief, or prescribe pain relief to ensure your comfort.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment can vary, depending on the severity of the problem, your dental health care insurance and whether the procedure is done by a dentist, or by a specialist endodontist.

At Complete Dental in Coorparoo & Elanora, we want all of our patients to have access to the vital dental treatments they need. We have a payment options available, as your dental health is our top priority.

If you are experiencing pain and sensitivity in your teeth, or your teeth have suffered significant trauma, it might be time to visit your dentist. Please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and informative team at Complete Dental in Coorparoo & Elanora with any queries you may have, or to book an appointment.