You wake up with a dull ache in your jaw. You get a sharp jolt when you take a sip of your morning coffee. Maybe you can’t comfortably chew on one side of your mouth anymore. At first, you ignore these signs, hoping they go away. But eventually, you realise your body is telling you that something isn’t right.
The words “root canal” can strike fear in many people, conjuring up images of a lengthy, painful procedure. However, root canal therapy is actually a common dental treatment designed to save your tooth and eliminate pain and sensitivity.
At Charlestown Dental Care, we understand how dental pain can affect your daily activities, and we’re here to help. Recognising the early signs that you may need a root canal and contacting our clinic can improve your oral health and save your tooth from extraction.
What Is a Root Canal, and Why Would You Need One?
Root canal therapy is aimed at eliminating the infected tissue from within your tooth’s inner pulp chamber. The procedure removes the damaged pulp, disinfects the inside of your tooth and seals it with a dental filling or crown.
Here are the signs you might need a root canal and should contact our dental clinic right away:
- Persistent tooth pain — If you have tooth pain that doesn’t subside on its own and worsens when you lie down, you may need root canal therapy. The pain may affect your jaw and other teeth. It can come and go, and it could wake you up at night.
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold — When you take a drink of something hot or cold and it feels sensitive or uncomfortable, this is a sign you might need a root canal. Although some tooth sensitivity is normal, if your sensitivity lingers after you’ve removed the hot or cold temperature, you may have inflamed or damaged nerves inside your tooth.
- Gum swelling or tenderness — It isn’t normal for your gums to be swollen, red or tender around a certain tooth. This could indicate an infection that requires root canal therapy. You may also notice a bump or pimple on your gums, pus draining near the affected area or a bad taste in your mouth. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread beyond the tooth and requires urgent attention.
- Tooth discolouration — Anytime your tooth turns grey or black, it could indicate that your tooth’s nerves are dying. Sometimes, a discoloured tooth can occur after trauma, but it may also be a result of untreated decay. It’s best to contact us immediately for an appointment.
- Cracked or damaged tooth — If your tooth is cracked or chipped, bacteria can enter and reach your tooth’s pulp chamber. This can happen if you sustain an injury or grind your teeth. A root canal can prevent further damage, and a dental crown over your tooth can protect your natural tooth.
What Happens if You Ignore These Signs?
Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort, it’s best not to ignore the signs of a dental infection.
Delaying treatment can lead to numerous difficulties, so early intervention is crucial to avoid any of the following:
- Increased pain and infection
- Tooth loss due to severe infection
- More involved and costly procedures
Root Canal Treatment Has Come a Long Way
A common misconception is that root canals are painful, but you should know that modern dentistry has made root canal therapy no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
At our dental clinic, we utilise the latest technology to provide the most comfortable, efficient care possible.
When you visit us for root canal therapy, these are the steps to the procedure:
- Examination and x-rays — First, we’ll examine your tooth and take x-rays to determine whether you need a root canal. If you require treatment, we’ll customise a treatment plan with you in mind and answer any questions you have.
- Numbing the area — Next, we’ll use a local anaesthetic to completely numb your tooth and the area surrounding it. You won’t feel anything during the procedure, and your tooth pain will be gone!
- Accessing the root canals — To access the infected area, we’ll use specialised tools to make a small opening on the top of your tooth.
- Cleaning the root canals — Then, we’ll clean out the area, removing any infected tissue and bacteria before shaping and disinfecting your root canals.
- Filling the root canals — Using a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha, we’ll seal the canals to keep any bacteria from entering your tooth.
- Sealing your tooth — Finally, we’ll add either a temporary or permanent filling to close your tooth. If you need a dental crown, we’ll take impressions and send them to the dental lab.
- Crown placement — In most cases, a dental crown is needed to protect and strengthen your tooth. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to our clinic so we can bond it to your tooth. Your dental crown will look and feel completely natural.
Questions About Root Canal Therapy in Charlestown, NSW?
To learn more about how root canal therapy can alleviate your discomfort and save your natural tooth, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! At Charlestown Dental Care, we strive to help every patient achieve optimal oral health and keep their teeth for a lifetime.
If you’d like to book a consultation or appointment with our dental clinic, feel free to call us on (02) 4942 1633.