Endodontic Treatment

Our teeth may seem strong on the outside, but they house a soft centre of nerves and blood vessels known as the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected, it can lead to severe tooth pain and without treatment, the tooth could fall out. Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating the inner workings of the tooth. One of the most common ways to treat an infected pulp is through root canal therapy.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a form of endodontic treatment that saves the tooth by removing the decay from the pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. This is often thought of as a painful treatment, but it's actually used to relieve the tooth of pain. Dr. Dee is qualified to treat pulp infections in-office and aims to provide safe and effective treatments that alleviate discomfort.

What happens during root canal therapy?

You may not know if you need root canal therapy, but the symptoms usually include severe toothache and discolouration. During your consultation, Dr. Dee will assess the tooth and determine if root canal therapy is necessary.

The procedure for root canal therapy involves using a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth. Dr Dee will then access the pulp and gently scoop out the infected tissue. A cleaning solution is then applied to kill any remaining bacteria. Once clean, Dr. Dee fills the tooth with a durable sealant that ensures the tooth won't become infected again.

In some cases where the damage was extensive, you may need a filling or crown to protect the tooth further. Dr. Dee may also prescribe a course of antibiotics or painkillers to ensure the tooth heals.

If you are experiencing a severe toothache, there could be a high chance that you have a pulp infection. In this case, contact our office, and we will see you as soon as possible to treat the cause.

What is the best way to prevent tooth decay?

Although root canal therapy is not painful, it's best to avoid tooth decay altogether. If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and a balanced diet and avoid habits like smoking, your natural teeth can last a lifetime.

Other ways to prevent tooth decay include:

• Avoid drinking alcohol and fizzy drinks
• Brush and floss daily
• Use toothpaste with fluoride
• Change your toothbrush regularly
• Maintain your dental visits