Root Canal Therapy in Millwoods
Tooth pain, swelling, or lasting sensitivity can sometimes mean the inner part of a tooth is inflamed or infected. Root canal therapy may help treat the inside of the tooth and reduce the need for extraction when the tooth can still be restored.
At Dental Elements, we assess your symptoms, X-rays, and oral health before recommending root canal therapy. If the tooth needs more complex care, we may refer you to an endodontist.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue. It can become inflamed or infected because of deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental treatment.
During root canal therapy, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed. After treatment, the tooth usually needs a final restoration, such as a filling or crown, to help protect it and restore function.
When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed, infected, or damaged and the tooth can still be saved.
Signs that may need assessment include:
- Lasting tooth pain
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness around the gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Tooth discolouration
- A cracked or deeply decayed tooth
These symptoms do not always mean you need root canal therapy, but they should be checked as soon as possible. Early assessment can help determine whether the tooth can be treated or whether another option is needed.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy may take one or more appointments, depending on the tooth and the level of infection or inflammation.
During treatment, we take the following steps:
- Examining the Tooth: We assess the tooth, gums, symptoms, and X-rays.
- Planning Your Care: We explain whether treatment can be completed at our clinic or whether referral to an endodontist is recommended.
- Numbing the Area: We use local anaesthesia to help keep you comfortable.
- Isolating the Tooth: We may place a rubber dam to keep the tooth clean and dry during treatment.
- Accessing the Tooth: We create a small opening to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleaning the Canals: We remove infected or damaged pulp and clean the inside of the tooth.
- Filling the Canals: We fill and seal the cleaned canals with dental material.
- Restoring the Tooth: We will place a final restoration either immediately or several weeks after the root canal has been completed to allow the tooth to heal. A crown is usually recommended in the future for teeth that have had root canal treatment to help protect the root-canalled tooth.
After root canal therapy, the tooth may feel tender for a short time. If pain, swelling, or discomfort worsens or does not improve, you should contact us.
Protect Your Tooth with Timely Care
Root canal therapy may help treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth while preserving the natural tooth structure when possible. The right treatment depends on the condition of the tooth, the surrounding bone, and your overall oral health.
At Dental Elements, we provide careful assessment and clear guidance before starting root canal therapy. Our team can explain your options, answer your questions, and recommend referral when more advanced treatment is needed.
Call or visit us today to schedule an appointment.
Get In Touch
FAQ's
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
A crown may be recommended after root canal therapy, especially for back teeth or teeth with significant damage. Some teeth may be restored with a filling, depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure.
Should I choose a root canal or extraction?
Root canal therapy may be recommended when the tooth can be saved and restored. Extraction may be needed if the tooth is too damaged, cracked, or infected to repair. We can assess the tooth and explain your options.
Does root canal therapy remove the nerve?
Yes. Root canal therapy removes the inflamed, infected, or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerve tissue within the root canals.
Is a tooth fragile after a root canal?
A tooth may be weaker after root canal therapy, especially if it had a large cavity, crack, or previous restoration. A crown may be recommended to help protect the tooth from fracture.
What are the signs you may need root canal therapy?
Possible signs include lasting tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, tenderness, tooth discolouration, a gum bump, or pain when biting. A dental exam is needed to confirm the cause.
Do they put you to sleep for root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is usually done with local anaesthesia. If you have dental anxiety, we can discuss whether additional comfort options are appropriate for your visit.