The root canal mode of treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental process by which infected pulp is removed, and the root canal cleaned and refilled. Following removal of the infected pulp, your root canals are thoroughly cleaned, medically sterilized and then reshaped, so that they can be completely sealed up using a special dental filling substance to prevent any additional infection.
The required therapies could take several dental appointments, dependent on how complex the damage to your tooth was and how long it takes to have the infection cleared. In case your general dentist suggests having your painful tooth extracted, you may need the opinion of an endodontist.
Do You Require Root Canal Therapy?
You would be the right candidate for the root canal method of treatment if you have a broken tooth, since the therapy could save that tooth. Within your tooth is a soft membrane tissue, known as tooth pulp, containing lymph, nerves and blood vessels. After your tooth breaks, if the pulp is unable to repair and heal itself, it dies. This is because a tooth fracture generally exposes the pulp to bacteria found in your saliva, causing infection.
It’s best to have the infected pulp taken out before the infection begins spreading to the surrounding membranes and to your tooth. When this isn’t done, you could lose the entire tooth. The root canal treatment might save your tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure
You’re sure to undergo various aspects of treatment, including:
1. Root canal treatment is a procedure by which dead or inflamed pulp is removed from your tooth, making it possible to retain such a tooth that was causing pain.
2. Dental pulp is that soft dental tissue in the root canal running through the centre of your tooth. Once your tooth has been fully formed it can function normally devoid of its pulp.
3. After the pulp removal, your root canals get thoroughly cleaned, clinically sterilized and then shaped into a form which could be totally sealed up using filling material to prevent any further infection.
4. Your treatment could entail a couple of appointments with an expert, based on how complex the state of your tooth is plus how long it takes the infection to clear.
5. Afterwards, a crown to protect your tooth may be necessary, because your tooth may be fragile after undergoing the treatment and could easily fracture.
Who Performs The Therapy?
In Australia, such specialized treatments are performed by dental specialists who must be fully certified by the Australian Dental Council and registered with the Dental Board of Australia. You could confirm your doctors’ credentials from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), since this is the national body that accredits and registers all health practitioners in Australia.
How Long Will Your Restored Tooth Last?
If well looked after, your treated tooth could last a lifetime. However, it’s crucial that you get regular checkups to make sure that the tissues surrounding your tooth are sufficiently nourishing the tooth root.
