Brisbane Root Canal Treatment Information

What Is Basic Root Canal Treatment 101?

Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth rather than extracting teeth. Root canal treatment is always a priority in our Brisbane dental clinic at Mt Gravatt. Pure Dentistry just south of and near the Brisbane CBD is where you can receive a range of dental treatments with flexible affordable dental payment plans.

Root Canal Treatment Information

Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure performed to treat an infected pulp or the nerve of an infected tooth. Severe toothache often results if an infected tooth is left without treatment. In some cases, the tooth pain becomes so bad that emergency root canal treatment in Brisbane is needed.

Your Teeth’ Structure

Each tooth comprises three main layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp.

Enamel is a protective layer that covers the most visible part of a tooth above the gum. Tooth enamel is your body’s hardest substance and can withstand biting and chewing forces.

Enamel is a tough shell, but good oral hygiene is required to keep enamel safe and resistant to damage. Consuming too many acidic foods and drinks or foods rich in carbohydrates will make enamel susceptible to decay. If the condition is not addressed promptly, the infection can proceed to the next protective layer underneath the enamel, the dentin.

Dentin is located beneath the enamel and is not as hard as this tough shell. Dentin is a calcified tissue that contains millions of tiny tubules or tubes. These tiny tubules are in charge of helping you feel sensations in your teeth. If dental decay is left untreated, it can damage the dentin layer and cause sensitivity and pain.

The tooth pulp is the innermost part of each tooth, located underneath the dentin layer, and contains a rich supply of living blood vessels, large nerves, and connective tissues. The pulp is protected in a space called a pulp chamber.

Unaddressed tooth decay or severe cases of injury to a tooth can expose the tooth pulp and elevate the risk of pulpal infection.

Infected pulp may cause the infection to spread through the root canal system and lead to a painful condition called an abscess. An abscess can result in serious pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Emergency Dentist Brisbane performs root canal procedures to remove the damaged pulp tissue and save an injured or infected tooth from being extracted.

Signs That You Need Root Canal Therapy

Be on th lookout for the following warning signs; they may indicate that you need root canal treatment.

• Persistent toothache
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Inflamed gums
• Blackened teeth
• Tooth pain while eating or biting down on something
• Cracked teeth
• Loosened teeth

Tooth pain and sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures are considered the most common symptoms.

Please bear in mind that the above symptoms may be the signs of other oral health conditions; that’s why regular checkups twice a year are necessary to ensure dental health.

FYI: People who smoke, do not have a balanced diet, do not follow proper oral hygiene, and neglect their dental checkups have an increased risk of severe dental infection.

How Is a Root Canal Treatment in Brisbane Done?

As explained earlier, once bacteria enter the pulp, root canals are needed to remove the dead pulp tissue and salvage the affected tooth.

Our Pure Dentistry dentist will probably begin by taking a dental x-ray of your tooth and its surrounding area. Dental x-rays are effective in helping the dentist determine how extensive the damage is.

• Then your tooth and its surrounding area will be numbed with local anaesthesia so you won’t feel pain.
• The dentist may also place a rubber dam over your tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva and prevent bacteria from spreading in the mouth.
• The dentist will use a dental drill to create a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access the pulp tissue.
• The infected tissue will be removed, and the canals inside your tooth’s root will be cleaned and disinfected.
• The dentist will use a natural rubber material called gutta percha to fill your tooth after the root canal treatment.
• Your tooth will receive a temporary filling to protect it from debris and saliva.
• The next appointment involves the dentist removing the temporary filling and medicine from the tooth and inserting a root canal filling.
• Because the tooth treated with root canal treatment is now more fragile than healthy teeth, a dental crown is usually required to protect it from damage.

Your permanent crown will be custom-made, and you may need to wait two to three weeks to receive it.

Learn more about Dental Crowns: Dental Crowns

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment in Brisbane Take?

It may differ from person to person, but generally, most patients need to stay in the dental chair for about 30 to 60 minutes for root canals.

Root canal procedures may take longer, perhaps 90 minutes, if the patient’s tooth is too large or has multiple roots.

Root canal therapy in Brisbane may be carried out over several visits.

Who Will Perform Root Canal Treatment?

General dentists or root canal specialists, also known as endodontists, can perform root canals.

The Advantages of a Root Canal Treatment in Brisbane

Root canal treatment has several oral health and other benefits for patients; here are some examples:

• Prevents tooth loss
• Helps you get rid of the throbbing pain due to infection
• Stops the infection from travelling in the mouth and affecting other teeth
• Will restore your smile
• Root canal treatment costs in Brisbane are affordable and unlike getting root canals done overseas, there’s a full, hygienic dental clinic backup in Brisbane.
• Australian consumer laws protect you.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

People usually feel fear or concern about an upcoming root canal treatment, assuming it will hurt badly!

However, the root canal procedure is not as scary as it may sound.

The dentist will numb your tooth and gums using local anesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure.

After Root Canal Treatments

Slight pain, swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity are common following a root canal.

In most cases, prescription or over-the-counter painkillers will help manage the symptoms.

Follow these tips from our Brisbane Dentist for a smooth recovery after root canal procedures.

• Do not start eating right after a root canal.
• Try to stick to softer foods for a few days after the procedure.
• Avoid applying too much pressure to the affected side of the mouth.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages after the treatment.
• Try to keep your head elevated when you sleep.
• Avoid vigorous brushing on the affected tooth.
• Rinsing your mouth with warm salted water can keep the infection away from the affected tooth.

Please contact your dentist or endodontist if severe pain, swelling, or pressure lasts more than a few days.

Patients are also recommended to contact their dentist if the symptoms they had before the procedure return.

How Much Do Root Canals Cost in Brisbane?

Several factors can affect the price of root canal treatment in Brisbane.

The number of teeth that require treatment, whether you want a dental crown fitted on the tooth, and the location of the dental office in Brisbane can affect the total cost of dental crowns.

A typical root canal treatment in Brisbane can cost anywhere from $2000 – $3400.

Pure Dentistry

With experienced Dentists in Brisbane Southside, Pure Dentistry is willing to offer pain-free dental care for patients who care for a healthier smile.

Contact our dental crown experts today on phone number 07 3343 4869 or book online dental crown treatment near Brisbane’s Westfield shopping Centre at Mt Gravatt.