At Laverton Dental CLinic, Root Canal Treatment (endodontic therapy) is a safe, routine procedure designed to save a natural tooth that has been severely damaged, decayed, or infected.
Why a Root Canal May Be Needed
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected. Symptoms often include:
- Severe toothache or pain when chewing.
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Swelling, tenderness, or pimples on the gums near the affected tooth
What the Treatment Involves
- Diagnosis & Local Anaesthetic: The dentist examines the tooth using digital imaging and numb the area with local anaesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Cleaning the Canals: The dentist creates a tiny access point in the tooth to remove the infected or damaged pulp. The inner canals are then thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- Sealing the Tooth: Once cleaned, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealed to prevent future bacteria from entering.
- Final Restoration: A temporary or permanent filling is placed. In most cases, a custom dental crown is subsequently placed over the tooth to restore its full strength, function, and natural appearance.