Preserve Your Tooth with Root Canal Therapy in Joondalup

Root canal therapy is a procedure aimed at preserving a severely damaged or infected tooth. Its purpose is to address bacterial infection from the inside of the tooth to prevent dental abscesses and the need for tooth extraction. The term “root canal” refers to the space within the tooth, which contains the pulp tissues, which are composed of nerves and blood vessels. Root canal treatment involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp from the root canal, then carefully cleaning, disinfecting, and finally filling and sealing it.

This treatment is commonly required when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental work on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In some cases, an injury to a tooth may result in pulp damage, even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.

It’s important to be aware of the signs that might indicate the need for root canal treatment to prevent further complications with your oral health. Below are some common symptoms that suggest an endodontic treatment could be necessary:

• Persistent pain:
  Persistent tooth pain, especially when applying pressure or chewing, can indicate root canal issues.
• Sensitivity to heat and cold:
  A lingering sensitivity to high temperatures, such as cold or hot foods and drinks, even after the source has been removed, may suggest the need for root canal therapy.
• Tooth discolouration:
  A darkening or discolouration of the tooth could be a sign of nerve damage or death, which would require a root canal treatment.
• Swollen gums:
  Swollen or tender gums can be a symptom of an abscess caused by a tooth pulp infection that will require root canal treatment.
• Pimple-like bumps on the gums:
  A recurring or persistent pimple on the gums near the tooth in question is often a sign of an underlying infection.

These signs are important indicators that should not be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, consulting with a dental professional is crucial. They can determine the appropriate treatment and help preserve your oral health.

Root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, but modern techniques and anesthesia have significantly reduced discomfort during the procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

During the Procedure

• Anesthesia:
  A local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself.
• Sensation:
  You may feel some pressure or movement, but it should not be painful.

After the Procedure

• Mild Discomfort:
  It’s common to experience some tenderness or mild pain around the treatment area for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually effective in managing this.
• Swelling:
  There may be some swelling or sensitivity, especially if there was an infection present before the procedure.

Managing Pain

• Follow Post-Op Instructions:
  Your dentist will provide guidelines on how to care for your tooth after the procedure. Following these instructions can help minimise discomfort.
• Medication:
  Over-the-counter pain relievers are often recommended. Your dentist may prescribe stronger medication if needed.

Overall, root canal therapy is much less painful than it used to be and is often no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. If you have concerns about pain or anxiety related to the procedure, discuss them with your dentist, who can offer additional options to help you feel more comfortable.

The dentist begins performing root canal therapy by assessing and taking the necessary dental radiographs of the tooth’s structure. Based on the gathered information, they will create a suitable treatment plan outlining the steps of your root canal therapy. Below are the general steps that dental professionals follow to perform it:

1. Preparation and anaesthesia:
   During the root canal therapy procedure, your dentist numbs the tooth and its surrounding soft tissues with a suitable type of anaesthesia.
2. Access opening:
   Once the area is numb, the dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done using precise dental instruments.
3. The removal of tooth pulp:
   The inflamed or infected tooth pulp is carefully taken out of the pulp chamber and root canals. Specific dental tools are used to clean out the root canal space, preparing it for disinfection.
4. Disinfecting the root canals:
   Next, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to reduce bacteria and prevent further infection. This step may involve a variety of irrigating or cleaning solutions and small instruments to clean the canals thoroughly.
5. Shaping the root canals:
   The root canals are then shaped with tiny flexible instruments called files to prepare them for the filling. This step is essential to creating space for the filling.
6. Filling the root canals:
   The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Then, they are sealed with dental cement to help prevent bacteria from re-penetrating the root canals.
7. Sealing the tooth:
   After filling the root canals, the access hole made at the start of the procedure is sealed with a dental filling to protect the tooth from fracture and contamination.
8. Restoration of the tooth:
   In most cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy will need a dental crown to protect and restore its function. This is needed if the tooth structure has been significantly compromised. However, the dental crown procedure is usually started at a separate follow-up appointment.

Root canal therapy is a dental treatment that addresses serious dental problems while preserving the tooth’s integrity and functionality. Here’s a detailed overview of root canal treatment’s benefits to your dental health:

• Halts dental abscess:
  Root canal therapy halts the progression of bacterial infections in tooth roots. This prevents the risk of spreading the infection to nearby teeth or the gums, which may result in abscess.
• Prevents tooth loss:
  It avoids the need for tooth extraction by addressing the infection in the root canal promptly. This preservation of the natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function and keeps the alignment of surrounding teeth stable.
• Preserves jawbone health:
  Ignoring a deeply decayed tooth can allow the infection to result in jawbone loss over time. Root canal therapy prevents this problem and maintains the strength and health of the jawbone.
• Reduces pain and discomfort:
  By addressing the source of infection and inflammation, root canal therapy alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with a damaged tooth.
• Cost-efficient:
  Compared to tooth extraction and dental replacement options like tooth implants or bridges, root canal therapy can be more cost-efficient and less invasive. It allows you to keep your natural tooth while avoiding more complex dental procedures.
• Improves dental aesthetics:
  A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is usually restored with a crown, which improves its appearance. Hence, timely root canal therapy procedures can also bring back your a beautiful, healthy smile.

During your consultation for root canal therapy in Joondalup, your dentist can provide more elaborative information about the treatment’s benefits. If you haven’t made an appointment, please feel free to contact Joondalup City Dental.

Root canal treatment usually requires one to three visits to complete. It depends on the complexity of your tooth’s condition and the required dental restorative work. To give you an idea, here’s an overview of what generally happens during each dental visit:

1. First visit:
   The dentist provides a proper diagnosis and preparation for the endodontic therapy.
2. Second visit:
   The root canal therapy procedure begins, involving cleaning, shaping, and sealing the affected tooth.
3. Final visit:
   Depending on the patient’s case, a third dental visit is necessary. During this appointment, the application of the filling and the restoration of the tooth take place.

Check out these essential tips about proper care for your tooth after root canal treatment:

• Manage pain as needed:
  It’s common to experience some discomfort after the root canal therapy procedure. Apply a cold compress to the side of your cheeks for approximately 15 minutes to help ease swelling and pain. Taking prescribed pain medication can also help manage these reactions.
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods:
  Hard and crunchy foods can compromise the integrity of the temporary filling or crown. Choose softer foods until the final restoration is complete.
• Chew on either side:
  Until your tooth is fully restored, it’s recommended that you avoid chewing on the side where the root canal treatment was performed. This helps prevent putting too much pressure on your tooth and protects the temporary restoration.
• Maintain dental hygiene:
  Continue with regular brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the area to avoid irritating it. Remember, keeping your mouth clean is essential to preventing bacteria buildup and the recurrence of infection.

After your root canal treatment, your dentist will give you instructions for managing post-treatment pain. Following those guidelines is essential for promoting healing and helping your mouth recover from the treatment.

Root canal therapy costs vary significantly based on the complexity of the dental procedure and the specific requirements for each patient’s case. Below is a list of the average root canal therapy costs for different types of treatment:

• Root canal (1 canal) with filling:
  For single canal root canal therapy with a filling, the cost usually ranges from $855 to $1,100. This option is generally for front teeth, which usually have only one canal.
• Root canal (2 canals) with a crown:
  When a tooth has two canals and requires a crown after root canal therapy, the cost can range from $2,920 to $3,555. This is often the case for premolars, which may have one or two canals.
• Root canal (3 canals) with filling:
  For teeth with three canals, such as molars, that require filling but not a crown, the cost ranges from $1,515 to $1,910.
• Root canal (4 canals) with a crown:
  Molars with four canals that require a crown after the root canal therapy can cost from $3,560 to $4,385. Molar cases are more complex due to the number of canals and the difficulty of access.

Health funds in Australia often partially cover root canal therapy costs. However, the extent of cover can vary based on your health fund’s policy. Many providers classify root canal therapy as major dental work, which may offer different levels of financial returns. These benefits vary depending on the health fund provider and your level of cover. Check with your health fund provider to understand the specifics of what your plan covers and what out-of-pocket expenses you may be expected to pay.

At Joondalup City Dental, one of our friendly team of dentists can give you an estimate of your root canal therapy cost. This involves discussing potential factors influencing your treatment and providing details on the cost of your treatment.