Root Canal Treatment in Frankston
Endodontic therapy – better known as “root canal” treatment – is an effective procedure that preserves teeth that have suffered nerve trauma or severe infection.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy involves removing the decaying or damaged tooth structure along with the nerve inside of it. After the hollow chamber is thoroughly cleaned and medicated, we fill and seal off the empty canal left behind.
At this point, the tooth is free of infectious bacteria and disease, but it is no longer vital. To protect the brittle enamel from wearing down prematurely, we’ll place a porcelain crown over the tooth. After the entire process is completed, no one should be able to tell there’s anything different.
Symptoms of Abscessed Teeth
When a cavity, crack or trauma causes the tooth nerve to die, a few things can happen. Watch out for signs such as:
- A small pimple (fistula) along the gums near the root
- Darkening of the affected tooth
- Severe pain (or none at all)
- Visible drainage at the gumlines
- Sensitivity when chewing on the tooth
- Large fractures
The only way to know for certain how badly the tooth is damaged and whether it can be saved with a root canal (as opposed to extracting it) is to take an X-ray. This imaging allows us to assess deeper areas of the tooth and the bone around it.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
As with any type of restorative procedure, today’s dental anaesthetic makes it possible to complete treatments with little to no discomfort. Root canals are no different. But if you’re still quite anxious about the appointment, we can prescribe a medication to help.
Contact us today to find out how to save your smile with gentle root canal therapy.
