What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called dental pulp. This contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected or dies, it can cause toothache, swelling, sensitivity or a dental abscess.

Root canal treatment involves carefully removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The root canals are then cleaned, shaped, disinfected and sealed to help prevent further infection.

Once the tooth has been treated, it will usually need to be restored with a filling or crown, depending on how much tooth structure is left.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

You may need root canal treatment if you have symptoms such as:

• Ongoing toothache or throbbing pain
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that does not quickly go away
• Swelling around the gum or jaw
• A pimple or abscess on the gum
• A darkened or discoloured tooth
• Deep decay or a cracked tooth

Sometimes an infected tooth may not be painful at first, which is why regular dental check-ups are important.

Why Save the Tooth?

Where possible, saving your natural tooth is often the best option. Removing a tooth can leave a gap, affect your bite and place extra pressure on surrounding teeth.

Root canal treatment can help:

• Save your natural tooth
• Relieve pain caused by infection
• Treat dental abscesses
• Avoid unnecessary tooth extraction
• Restore normal chewing function
• Protect surrounding teeth from shifting

If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will talk you through other options, such an extraction, bridge, denture or dental implant.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is usually completed over two or more appointments, depending on the tooth and the level of infection.

During treatment, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. The infected pulp is removed from inside the tooth, and the canals are cleaned and disinfected. A temporary filling or dressing may be placed between visits.

Once the infection is controlled and the canals are fully cleaned, the tooth is sealed. In many cases, especially for back teeth, a crown may be recommended afterwards to strengthen and protect the tooth.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Many people worry that root canal treatment will be painful, but the treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it.

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You may feel some tenderness after treatment, especially if there was an infection, but this usually settles. Your dentist will explain what to expect and how to care for the tooth after your appointment.

Root Canal Treatment and Dental Crowns

A tooth that needs root canal treatment is often already weakened by decay, cracks or large fillings. After root canal treatment, the tooth may be more fragile, especially if it is a back tooth used for chewing.

For this reason, a dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth and reduce the risk of it breaking in the future. Your dentist will let you know whether a filling or crown is the best option for your tooth.

Emergency Tooth Pain and Root Canal Treatment

If you have severe toothache, swelling, facial pain or signs of a dental abscess, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Dental infections can worsen if left untreated.

Clendon Dental Centre provides dental care for patients in Clendon, Manurewa and South Auckland. If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact our team so we can assess the tooth and discuss the best treatment option.

Book a Root Canal Appointment in South Auckland

If you have toothache, an infected tooth or have been told you may need root canal treatment, contact Clendon Dental Centre to book an appointment.

We welcome patients from Clendon, Manurewa and the wider South Auckland area.

Call Clendon Dental Centre on (09) 266 0769 or contact our team to arrange an appointment.