Root Canal Treatment Melbourne

Root canal treatment, also known as root canal therapy, is a procedure in which decayed or infected dental pulp is removed from inside the root canals, then sealed with a filling to prevent further decay.

Depending on the procedure, some patients may require a dental crown to help protect the integrity of the tooth.

When is root canal treatment necessary?

The painless symptoms that may indicate that you need root canal treatment include:

• prolonged pain around the tooth or at the tip of your jaw when you are biting down
• swelling in your gums
• bad breath or unusual taste
• tenderness when biting down

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the potential for greater damage. If not treated, the decay can be so bad that the tooth cannot be saved.

What does root canal therapy involve?

Root canal therapy aims to remove the infection before repairing the root so that the natural structure remains intact.

When teeth are badly decayed or infected root canal therapy can provide relief for pain caused by damaged nerve endings in the root.

The major portion of the tooth structure is removed and replaced with a filling material to prevent the decay process from restarting. The space vacated by the removal of diseased tissue is then filled with a medical alternative, such as calcium hydroxide or guttapercha which are antiseptic and antibacterial respectively.

These are mixed with zinc oxide, which turns them into a solid material, and this fills the root canals

The canal is then shaped so that it retains its original form. The pulp chamber is either removed or left open to facilitate cleaning of the infection. Finally, the tooth structure is sealed to protect it from future decay.

Root canal therapy aims to remove the infection before repairing the root so that the natural structure remains intact.

When teeth are badly decayed or infected root canal therapy can provide permanent relief for pain caused by damaged nerve endings in the root. After your root canal treatment, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with after-care instructions to take care of your treated tooth.