SWELLING OF GUMS CAN CAUSE GINGIVITIS WHICH CAN LEADS TO PERIODONTITIS. TREATMENT & CAUSES.

 What is Root Canal ?

Root canal treatment involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and resealing the area. The method has a high success rate, and it is not a painful treatment despite many people believing otherwise.  

Root canal treatment enables dentists to save severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth. The procedure is typically recommended when a tooth has a compromised pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Tooth decay and damage can leave this part of a tooth exposed to bacteria and other irritants in the mouth, leading to excruciating toothaches and increasing the risk of infection. Let us take a close look at a few of the pros and cons of root canal therapy.

Pro: Can save the tooth

Root canal therapy can save severely damaged or infected teeth, enabling patients to keep their natural teeth. Saving a patient’s natural tooth helps prevent the bone tissue loss that often occurs when a tooth is lost. The tooth’s root gets to continue stimulating the patient’s jaw, keeping their jawbone healthy.

Cons: Weakens teeth

Teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy can end up weaker than they originally were. The technique involves drilling a hole into the tooth, which weakens its structure. Dentists often recommend putting crowns on teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy, to protect them from bite forces and restore their appearance and function.A root canal treatment is often needed in dental patients who have an infection deep inside the tooth’s root. Many root canal patients experience anxiety centered around a root canal treatment, as they are not familiar with the procedure and do not know what to expect, but the procedure is usually not as invasive as the patient anticipated going in.

Root canal treatment

By having a full understanding as to what a root canal treatment procedure is, the purpose of a root canal treatment and how the entire process and aftercare works, patients can calm any anxieties they have about the surgery. 

The process of a root canal treatment

The process of a root canal treatment is fairly simple, and the entire root canal treatment can often be completed within hours, allowing the patient to return home in a timely manner. The first step toward root canal treatment is to be evaluated and diagnosed by a dentist, who is likely to conduct an oral examination and dental X-rays. After the patient and dentist agree to root canal treatment, a time for the treatment is scheduled. During the procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia, after which a small hole is drilled into the tooth’s root the infected pulp is removed and then filled with a healthy, substitute material.

Root canal treatment aftercare

It is important to follow all instructions provided by the dentist for aftercare following a root canal treatment. After treatment, there is an increased chance of some discomfort, and the chance of oral infection is greater as well. Along with the dentist’s specific instructions, be sure to follow a consistent oral care routine and avoid harmful foods and drinks until a full recovery is made.

Disadvantages of Root Canal Treatment

Even though root canal treatment can save a tooth with severe decay from extraction, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to maximize the lifespan of the devitalized tooth:

• Regular teeth cleaning with a good way as well as the use of mouthwash and flossing can go a long way in protecting oral health, as a devitalized tooth can decay too.
• Dental routine check-ups are prescribed at least twice a year
• As the tooth is devitalized, this can make it more fragile and inclined to chip when exposed to too much pressure.
• Sometimes, the tooth can darken after the treatment. This can be affected by a small amount of pulp being left inside the tooth or by the root canal medications. The discoloration can be corrected by teeth whitening or a veneer.When it comes to dental services, a root canal procedure is often one of the most dreaded procedures amongst patients - however, with an experienced specialist, root canals are no worse than any other procedure

• While it might not be known as the most comfortable process, root canal treatments involve common conservative procedures, with a documented success rate of over 90%. A root canal, also known as an endodontic treatment, will allow a tooth to function normally while retaining natural aesthetics, ultimately saving the tooth from extraction.

  

  
  

  • Do I need root canal therapy?

    Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

    Generally, root canal treatment is warranted when the pulp of a tooth (and the blood vessels and nerves within) is damaged or infected by events such as dental trauma, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. If you are wondering whether or not you might need a root canal, there are a few things to consider. These will include the current condition of your teeth, and whether any are badly decayed.

    Determining the current condition of your teeth is an important step to take in managing oral health in the first place.

    • Consider your dental history - this means thinking about how often you perform dental care like brushing your teeth, and even knowing whether you have had previous instances of infection or have a history of dental work .
    • Next, if you are experiencing any severe pain, this can be another indicator of damaged, dead or infected teeth. If your tooth hurts with pressure, it is important to get the opinion of a professional, as more problematic issues may be a cause.
    • Ultimately, the best way to understand the current condition of your teeth is to visit your specialist for a checkup.

    More specifically, signs of a pulp infection occurring include discomfort and pain in and around the tooth and gums, sensitivity to hot or cold temperature, and swelling of the gums or face. If you are experiencing these symptoms, your dentist will likely recommend root canal treatment in order to remove the diseased pulp and clean and seal the root canal system

  • The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

    When it comes to the benefits of root canal treatment, there are many.

    Firstly, it allows you to keep your natural tooth - this in itself has a number of benefits, including that it will always feel and perform better than a denture or implant. It works better in regard to chewing, and will limit the likelihood of future dental costs and procedures.

    Secondly, root canals are fairly pain free with little discomfort - when compared to other dental procedures such as a natural tooth extraction, a root canal procedure is often entirely painless. This is thanks to modern dentistry technology, local anaesthetic which will numb the area, and the expertise of endodontists at a good specialist practice.

    Additionally, a root canal procedure is quick and cost effective - as explained below within the section on what happens during a root canal procedure, the root canal process is usually more efficient than a tooth extraction. Not to mention, if you have a dental plan included within your medical coverage, the treatment might be covered.

    

    The Dangers of an Untreated Dental Infection

    In addition to having an understanding of the benefits surrounding root canal treatments, it is also important to understand the risks that come with leaving an infected or damaged tooth untreated.

    Firstly, a tooth abscess or root canal infection will almost definitely require treatment - root canal therapy is in many cases the best approach to take in fixing a tooth abscess (when bacteria enters the pulp chamber and multiplies).

    If left untreated, a tooth abscess can result in a range of problems, from severe pain, discomfort and nerve damage, to pus and dead tissue debris filled swelling, facial swelling and tooth discolouration.

    Furthermore, if untreated, bad cases can see the root canal infection spread from the mouth area. It is also worth noting that an infected tooth may impact teeth that have had prior dental work. As a result, treatment is crucial if you have a tooth abscess or infection.

    Ultimately, if you need a root canal procedure, don't put it off. Leaving treatment of infected teeth too late will often require the tooth to be pulled. If left untreated for longer, you are at risk of running into further oral problems that could potentially last a lifetime.

    What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

    Within procedures surrounding root canals, Australian Dental Specialists undertake set processes that involve broader tasks such as an x-ray and general consultation, as well as the more specific stages within the performance of root canal treatment on a tooth.

    1. Firstly, your specialist will identify the problem at hand, and will subsequently take x-rays of the relevant tooth and the area around the tooth.
    2. Following this x-ray process, when it comes to the procedure itself, the tooth area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic. In addition to this, your tooth may be covered with a rubber dam or sheet, which isolates the relevant tooth from the rest.
    3. When it comes to the removal process, the dental practitioner will remove the diseased pulp inside and clean and seal the tooth root canal system. The pulp chamber is accessed from the top of the tooth, and once cleaned, the root canals are filled with a natural latex material called gutta-percha.
    4. Finally, the tooth will be sealed, either with a filling or a crown. Often, a temporary filling will be used to seal the hole, which will be replaced with a permanent one once the root canal has healed.

    The treatment can be completed in one or two visits depending on the difficulty of the case and is best undertaken by Dr Varayini Yoganathan, a qualified root canal specialist available to you here in Norwest, Sydney.

    Once root canal treatment is completed, the record of your treatment is sent to your restorative dentist. You will attend their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of treatment completion at our office. The restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

    

    How Can I Avoid Root Canal Treatment?

    When aiming to avoid root canal therapy, there are a number of things you can do.

    • Clean your teeth regularly - this means brushing your teeth two times a day, and flossing daily.
    • Wear a mouth guard when necessary - if you play a sport that might warrant the use of one, or grind your teeth as you sleep, a mouth guard is a great way to protect your teeth.
    • Ensure that you have regular tooth checkups and cleanings - this also means getting any tooth problems checked out by your dentist as soon as possible.
    • Avoid or limit hard foods within your diet - this might include candy and lollies, or even ice, which can cause cracks and fractures in teeth and fillings.
    • Avoid or limit sugary and acidic food and drink - for example, soft drinks can break down your tooth enamel and attract bacteria.

    Ultimately, preventing root canal treatment (and the problems that make it necessary) is the best way to save yourself hassle, pain, money, time and medical problems. As a result, getting yourself into these habits and ensuring that you are taking the appropriate precautions is crucial in avoiding root canal treatment naturally.

    
    

    In understanding the cost of root canal treatment, the amount you pay will depend on factors such as location, healthcare, and extent of treatment required.

    When it comes to the average root canal cost Sydney and Australia wide, endodontic treatment costs will include everything from consultation to materials used (such as gutta-percha, temporary filling and dental dams). As a high quality root canal treatment provider provider, Australian Dental Specialists aim to provide treatment that is of the highest quality, whilst remaining affordable in price. In regard to healthcare, you will be eligible to claim an amount of the cost back if you have major dental extras as part of a private health insurance plan. For a detailed treatment plan with comprehensive price information, get in touch or book a consultation today.

    Regenerative Endodontic Procedures

    Traditionally, when an immature tooth suffers root damage, we perform an apexification to harden the root end and close the canal. While effective, also means that the tooth’s root will not continue to develop.

    With regenerative endodontics, we instead revive or regenerate the tooth’s natural tissue so the root can continue growing.

    Regenerative endodontics uses the concept of tissue engineering to restore the canals to a healthy state. The benefits of this method include continued root development and strengthened hard tissues to prevent potential fractures. Though tissue regeneration procedures are still in their infancy, studies suggest that “dead,” immature teeth are capable of regenerating pulp-like tissues that foster root development.

    In a little more than 10 years, regenerative endodontics has made a significant impact. This advancement in endodontic treatment has meant that teeth belonging to young patients of 7 to 16 years of age can be restored to allow them to keep growing, resulting in the benefit of a natural tooth for life.