Root Canal Treatment

If you are experiencing pain in your mouth, you may need a consultation to assess whether a root canal procedure is required.

Lingering pain

If you are experiencing pain in your tooth that simply won’t go away, then it’s best to come and see your dentist for an appointment. We will examine your tooth for sensitivity and determine whether a root canal is the procedure you need.

Positional pain

Are you struggling with pain in a particular position? For example, is the pain in your teeth more severe when you are lying down, or when you are running?

Spontaneous pain

If the pain in your teeth comes on with certain stimulus, like hot or cold drinks, then it’s possible that you don’t need a root canal – but it’s always best to check.

Abscess

Struggling with an abscess on your teeth? This is usually confirmed with an x-ray which shows up as a dark spot. If you have moderate to severe pain, then it’s important that you come in and see us as soon as possible.

Your dentist will talk through all of the steps as part of your root canal treatment. The procedure can take a bit of time, so we recommend that you bring along a podcast or an audiobook to listen to as a way to keep you occupied. You will be sitting in the chair with your mouth open for a while, and while you won’t feel pain, it can take some time to complete the procedure.

During the root canal, your dentist will use appropriate anaesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain, and afterwards your mouth may be numb for a while.

A root canal is necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The most common causes of this infection include deep decay, injury from an accident, and a cracked or leaking filling. Once the dentist has removed any infection and cleaned and shaped the root canals, any pain and inflammation should be relieved. The tooth is then filled up, or may require a crown to restore or protect the tooth.

Some signs to be aware of which may indicate root canal treatment is necessary include continuous pain, extreme or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold exposure, discolouration of tooth, facial swelling, and sensitive gums which are painful to touch or when chewing.

The main purpose of a root canal is to relieve any pain which is being caused by inflammation or infection. During the treatment however, our dentists will be able to utilise modern techniques, equipment, and anaesthetics to make your visit as pain-free and comfortable as possible. At Southside Dental Group, we can discuss your needs based on your pain threshold.

After getting a root canal, the tooth no longer has the pulp inside the tooth, making it more fragile and likely to chip or break. The purpose of applying the crown is as a strengthening tool which works to fortify the tooth. We want you to have your own teeth in your mouth and a crown is the way to ensure that your teeth remain strong.