Root canal treatment is the preferred treatment of choice if possible when we want to save your natural tooth as compared to extractions. The treatment is designed to remove the infected tissue in the root of the tooth that has become inflamed or infected due to decay, cracks or trauma. This is generally able to de done over two to three appointments.
The roots of the tooth are then cleaned to ensure that there are no bad bacteria left and filled with a dental medicament to ensure no further infection occurs.
Teeth that require root canal treatment do not always give you pain prior to your appointment, however some signs that you may need this treatment include:
If left untreated, the infection can lead to the development of an abscess causing swellings. Any infection is potentially harmful to your general health and should be treated as soon as possible.
At times a Fiber post may need to be inserted to reinforce the tooth structure depending on the condition of the tooth. It is also very common for root canal treated teeth to become brittle over time. To correct this we can restore the strength of your tooth with a dental crown.
Root canal treatment may not be appropriate in some cases, and extraction may be the best, or only, option. We understand that missing teeth at times can make you feel self-conscious. Missing teeth also affect your ability to bite and chew. If root canal treatment is not suitable for you, and a tooth needs to be extracted, we can offer you replacement options to suit your needs.
If you are unsure if this treatment is suited for you, please call us to make an appointment on – (07) 4953 1577. This will allow you to discuss your concerns and expectations of this treatment. Depending on your individual needs, our dentist will then recommend the ideal treatment to suit you.