Root Canal Treatment
Many patients would prefer to avoid root canals altogether because they are often associated with pain. But our Avid Dental team provides this tooth-saving procedure comfortably and efficiently using the latest modern rotary endodontic instruments for a pain-free experience.
Why Root Canals become Necessary
Infection can develop anywhere within the body because of the excessive reproduction of harmful bacteria. Trauma, such as an accident or sports injury, and deep decay that makes its way to the nerve are common causes of infected canals. 
The teeth have small canals that contain pulp – tissue and nerve fibres. When an infection develops within the root canals, inflammation causes pressure and pain – often the first sign that professional dental treatment is required.
Because infection can destroy the tooth and result in the need for extraction, prompt treatment is necessary.
Other signs indicating infected root canals include:
- Pain and sensitivity to heat
- Swelling of the face, jaw or gums
- Tooth discolouration
- A small lesion on gum tissue
- Pressure, especially when lying down
Routine x-rays, as part of regular check-ups, may reveal infection before it becomes symptomatic.
Root Canal Therapy
As part of our commitment to patients’ comfort, Dr Sean How and Dr Shal Main Chan will completely anaesthetise the tooth before beginning any treatment. Because of their precise delivery and gentle approach to dentistry, your root canal should feel similar to an average filling.
Root canal treatment typically requires two visits: one to eliminate infection and one to place a final restoration, usually a dental crown, to protect the tooth.
After accessing the tooth’s canal, our dentists will use precision rotary instruments to remove tissue and the blood and nerve fibres from the tooth and sterilise the canal before filling and sealing it with a temporary filling as your body’s natural healing process occurs.
While patients may experience residual sensitivity for a few days, symptoms should gradually dissipate and inflammation will disappear.
Because the blood supply to the tooth was removed, the structure becomes more brittle and can be more susceptible to fractures and damage. Placing a dental crown over the root canal tooth will prevent breakage due to the force from chewing. In many cases, a tooth-coloured crown made of durable ceramic will allow the tooth to blend in aesthetically with the smile.
How to Avoid the Need for Root Canal Treatment
The best way to prevent any condition is to maintain regular dental check-up and clean appointments in either our Korumburra or Inverloch dental surgery locations. Routine visits allow our dentists to closely monitor oral health and identify any conditions early when they are easier to complete.
Eliminate Toothache and Dental Pain
At Avid Dental, we treat dental emergencies as a priority. We invite you to get in touch to arrange an emergency dental visit, so we can have you feeling like yourself again.