Cavities/decay affecting the tooth do not need a root canal. But often, bacteria can enter the root or pulp of the tooth, where the nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels are, through a crack or cavity in your tooth. Dental trauma can also lead to an infected pulp where the only way to save your tooth is a root canal procedure.

If you have noticed any of the following symptoms, an immediate consultation can help determine if you’re in need of a root canal procedure:

• Excruciating pain in the tooth
• Pain when you’re chewing
• Increased sensitivity in the tooth due to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Inflammation of the gums
• A large cavity in the tooth
• Gum swelling / Abscess at the base of the tooth

With an endodontic procedure by a professional, you not only address your pain but also preserve your tooth and regain its functionality.

A lot of people associate root canal procedures with pain. But a painless root canal treatment is no longer a far-off concept. With better dental equipment, anaesthetics, and technological advancements, your treatment for endodontics in Oakleigh South is sure to be pain-free and comfortable. Here’s what goes on during your root canal treatment at Mary Dental:

Step 1 : The infected area is first anaesthetised or numbed and the tooth is isolated using a rubber sheet to prevent the spreading of bacteria.

Step 2 : An opening is then made at the infected area to access the centre of the tooth.

Step 3 : The infected pulp and nerves are carefully removed and the inside of the canal is cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any persistent infection. An antimicrobial medication is often placed in the tooth for a couple of weeks in case of severe infections.

Step 4: The root canal is then sealed using a rubber-like substance.

Step 5 : A filling is added to fill up the cavity and preserve the tooth’s appearance and function.

Step 6 : In some cases, a crown is placed following the filling to improve the aesthetics of the tooth and preserve its structural integrity.

While there are no blood vessels or nerves remaining after the root canal treatment, the aesthetics of the tooth are preserved by saving the surrounding structure.

The entire procedure for a root canal treatment in Oakleigh South may take a session or 2 of 45-60 mins, depending on the extent of treatment required. Often, we schedule two sessions where we clean out the cavity and seal it in the first session. Then we place the final root canal filling in the next appointment. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to put the customised crown in place to strengthen the structure of your tooth that may have been weakened due to the original cavity/ trauma.