Services
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT MOOLOOLABA
Expert Root Canal Treatment:
A Guide to Pain-Free Smiles
What is Root Canal Treatment Mooloolaba?
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat a tooth that has become infected or diseased, typically due to untreated decay or trauma. During the treatment, the infected or necrotic (dead) tissue inside the tooth’s root canals is removed. This process helps to eliminate the tooth infection and prevent its further spread. After cleaning the canals thoroughly, they are sealed and filled to prevent bacteria from re-entering and causing reinfection.
The need for root canal therapy often arises when decay or injury reaches the inner part of the tooth where the nerve and blood vessels (pulp) are located. If left untreated, this can lead to the death of the tooth nerve, which may cause severe pain and potentially allow bacteria and pus to spread to the surrounding bone, leading to abscess formation.
By undergoing root canal treatment Mooloolaba, patients can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the diseased tooth or teeth. It also helps in preserving the natural tooth structure, avoiding the need for extraction and maintaining dental health. Overall, root canal treatment is crucial in preventing the spread of infection and restoring the tooth’s function and health.
Root Canal Treatment Mooloolaba
Endodontic Therapy
Our patients at Dentistry First receive top-quality care and expertise in Endodontics. Our dentist, Dr. Jason, ensures healthy and beautiful results. We offer the best dental treatment possible, consulting with you on various options. Our goal is to provide personalised care for your dental needs.
The Root Canal Procedure
Step-by-Step Guide
Root canal treatment Mooloolaba, or endodontic therapy, is a detailed process aimed at treating a tooth that is infected or damaged. The appointment begins with x-rays and the administration of a local anaesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure. Following this, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep the area clean and dry.
Once the tooth is isolated, the dentist carefully drills into the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp and nerve tissue within the root canals. The next steps involve meticulous cleaning and shaping of the canals using specialised instruments for the removal of all traces of infected tissue and debris.
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that seals the canals and prevents bacterial re-entry. Sometimes, a temporary filling is placed until the tooth can receive its permanent restoration.
Finally, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to provide strength and protection. This crown is custom-made to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Throughout the procedure, your dentist, a leader in root canal treatment Mooloolaba, will ensure precision and care to effectively treat the infection or damage while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
A Pain-Free Experience
At our root canal treatment Mooloolaba practice, we utilise advanced technology and anaesthetics to ensure minimal pain and discomfort for our patients. Our dedicated dentists carefully select the appropriate method for each individual. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective form of anaesthesia that induces relaxation during procedures. It allows patients to remain conscious and responsive while feeling at ease throughout their root canal treatment Mooloolaba. Don’t let fear of pain hinder you from seeking essential dental care.
Root Canal Treatment Mooloolaba Cost and Appointments
Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of a root canal treatment depends on the number of canals in the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. Root canal treatment provides a solution for dentists to save the tooth and maintain a natural smile. Saving the tooth is ideal whenever practically possible, as nothing is as good as the natural tooth.
We offer flexible payment plan options through Humm and AfterPay to make your oral health more accessible. These services allow you to manage your expenses with convenient instalment plans, ensuring you can receive the treatment you need without financial stress.
Frequently asked questions
How does the pulp become infected or inflamed?
Main cause of an infected or inflamed pulp leading to partial or complete pulp death are decay, cracks, trauma, extreme wear, extensive dental work done to tooth and severe gum disease. This provides a path of entry for bacteria to the pulp causing it to be infected. The pulp can also become irritated and inflamed if extensive dental work has been done on the tooth or due to trauma.
What are the symptoms indicating that a root canal treatment Mooloolaba may be required?
Some signs that indicate a root canal treatment Mooloolaba is needed are:
• Pain or dull ache, can be spontaneous
• Pain waking you up at night
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold that can linger
• Pain on biting
• Grey discolouration of tooth
• Abscess (localised swelling)
• Facial swelling
To note:
- Pain: pain is the most common symptom indicating the need for a root canal treatment Mooloolaba. If the tooth is still alive, it will be very sensitive to both hot and cold and will remain sensitive for a period of time after the stimulus is removed. If the tooth is dead, it could ache spontaneously and be sore to bite on. If the tooth is dying or partially dead, there could be a combination of symptoms. Occasionally you will experience pain that wakes you up in your sleep.
- Abscess and facial swelling: An abscess forms when the infected pulp causes inflammatory response that eventually leads to the breakdown of bone around the root tip of the infected tooth. This infection can drain into the mouth resulting in a ‘pimple’ on the gums near the tooth. Occasionally the infection spreads through the fascial planes resulting in a facial swelling.
- Not all dead or infected teeth have symptoms and can remain asymptomatic for many years. Hence regular check-ups are important. An OPG (x-ray showing all the teeth and surrounding structures) at our root canal treatment Mooloolaba clinic can help with identifying such issues.
What are the stages of a root canal treatment?
There are usually 3 visits to complete the treatment. Depending on the tooth, more appointments may be needed and your dentist will advice you if so. A rubber sheet, ‘rubber dam’, is used in every appointment to isolate the tooth from any saliva and bacteria in the mouth and to prevent debris and irrigants used to clean the tooth from entering the mouth. Avoid eating on the tooth under treatment until a definitive filling or crown is placed on the tooth. All root canal treated teeth are more brittle and a crown is usually recommended for long term protection from breaking and reinfection.
Visit 1:
Decay is removed and a small access hole is created to access the root canals. The infected or dead pulp is removed and an antibacterial dressing and temporary filling is placed.
Visit 2:
The root canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped to the correct lengths. Some narrow canals may need more work and time to negotiate them and more appointments may be needed. An antibacterial dressing and temporary filling is placed.
Visit 3:
The root canals are sealed with a rubbery material to prevent reinfection and the cavity is sealed with a filling material in preparation for a crown or large filling. Do not leave a treated tooth for too long before getting a final filling or crown as the tooth may crack or get reinfected.
Why am I being referred to an endodontist?
Root canals are often referred to a specialist if it is a more complex case such as narrow, blocked canals or teeth with unusual anatomy or additional canals for the best outcome for your tooth.
If you’re looking for the best dentist on the Sunshine Coast, look no further than Dentistry First. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. We are conveniently located on the Sunshine Coast, near Mountain Creek, and we look forward to welcoming you to our dental practice.
Your smile is our passion, and we’re here to help you keep it bright and healthy for life.