Root Canal Treatment
Boronia Heights

Root canals are a restorative dental procedure that involves cleaning away decayed material inside the canals of the tooth’s roots and removing damaged tooth pulp tissue when a tooth has suffered significant decay, disease or trauma. The pulp tissue contains all the nerves and blood vessels for each of your teeth, and if left untreated, infections can damage nerves and other sensitive tissue around the tooth. If the damage is treated before it worsens, often the tooth can be saved and the need for more advanced treatment and procedures can be avoided.

If a damaged tooth isn’t properly cleaned, the protective layer of the tooth (enamel) starts to decay and thin out. The inner tissues of the tooth, known as the dentin, can become infected as the decay progresses deeper into the tooth, and if the decay progresses even further, into the tooth’s pulp tissue, infection and inflammation can result in irreversible damage.

Root canal therapy involves drilling with precision to expose and clean away the decayed or dead tissue and remove the damaged pulp and nerve. Once cleaned, the hole is then filled with dental composite resin to give it a natural look. For complex root canal treatment, it is sometimes necessary to refer to specialist dentists known as endodontists.

In the past, a damaged or dead nerve would mean the loss of the tooth. However, with root canal therapy, our dentists are able to save your teeth and keep your smile looking natural.

The most common symptom that may suggest a dying or infected tooth is swelling or pain. This pain can range from mild to severe, and is often accompanied with sensitivity to hot and cold liquids, as well as tender or swollen gums around the infected tooth.

The only way to confirm an infected or dying tooth is to have a dentist or oral surgeon examine the problematic area in your mouth. In the clinic, x-rays can be taken to look for cavities and verify that symptoms aren’t signs of more serious complications.

By maintaining regular dental appointments, we are able to detect any signs of tooth decay and gum disease early and arrange treatment to ensure oral health is restored.

Contact the clinic and explain to us the nature of the symptoms you are currently experiencing. Our staff will be able to book you in for an appointment and depending on the urgency, may ask you to come in right away for emergency care and treatment.

In the meantime, you can apply a cold pack or ice gently against the jaw if you are experiencing any swelling. Painkillers can also help in dealing with the aches and pain.

During your appointment, our dentist will closely examine your teeth, and may take several x-rays to diagnose the cause of your tooth pain. After a proper examination, your dentist will be able to determine the best course of action for your treatment.

Depending on the severity of the problem and degree of difficulty, you may be referred to see an endodontist. Endodontics is a specialised area of dentistry that focuses on the insides of the tooth, such as the dentin and pulp tissue.

The full course of root canal therapy can be conducted over 2-3 appointments. At first, the diseased or dead tissue must be cleaned and removed. A temporary filling is used to fill the tooth and protect the inner tissues from any further infection. Medication will help relieve any pain post-surgery, and ensure the tooth is healthy before undergoing a final procedure of cleaning out and sealing the tooth with a permanent filling.

In order to avoid repeat infections, our dentists will advise you of proper aftercare following the procedure and ensure the area heals well.