Root Canal Therapy is a treatment performed to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury.
What is it Root Canal Therapy?
Can I just fill my tooth?
No you can not simply fill a tooth with an abscess as you are just masking the cause of the problem, the infected canal must be treated first before a filling may be placed, if this is not done further Pain and swelling will occur.
What Causes Root Canal Therapy?
Infection or inflammation of the pulp can be caused by:
- Breakdown of a filling or crown
- A deep cavity
- Trauma
- Gum disease
- Crack or chip in tooth
- Extreme wear
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Your Dentist or Endodontist will examine the tooth and take an xray. A sheet of latex called rubber Dam will be used to isolate the tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment.
To access each canal and reach the tooth the dentist will use a special instrument called a file.
Each canal is cleaned and shaped, antibacterial medicine will be placed in each canal to help stop the infection, if a severe abscess has formed at the root tip oral antibiotics may also be given.
A temporary filling will be placed in between appointments.
How Many Appointments Will It Take?
If the tooth is responding well you can expect approximately 3 to 4 visits to complete Root Canal Therapy.
Multiple appointments may sometimes be needed for larger infection.
How Long Does It Take?
Each appointment will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and the treatment will continue for approximately 6-8 weeks, Appointments are generally spaced 2 weeks apart.
How Much Will It Cost?
Your Dentist will advise you of the cost depending on how many canals your tooth has, for example a Molar tooth will have more canals than a premolar. Root Canal Treatment is usually less expensive than extraction and replacement of the tooth.
It is always recommended to save an maintain your natural tooth where possible.
Page Author: Dr Sheetal Patel
Principal Dentist
Dr Sheetal Patel has been working at Caring Dental team and servicing the local community since 2009. In 2017, she has taken over the practice as the principal dentist from Dr Allan Taw.
Dr Sheetal Patel is well-known for her gentle and caring approach. Dr Patel has over 10 years’ experience in all aspects of general dentistry.
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Meet Our Dentists
Our dental team deals with all facets of general dentistry, with a particular focus on preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr Sheetal Patel is well-known for her gentle and caring approach. Her emphasis on delivering high-quality general dentistry and also complex dentistry.
Dr Taw graduated from University of Sydney in 1989, and has been practising in the local community for over 30 years.
Dr Manju graduated from Griffith University in 2011, first working in Queensland and regional New South Wales before relocating to Sydney.
Dr Kinjal has gained many years of experience in dental industry in Australia as well as overseas. She continued her professional education through the study of various dental courses to further her skills. She is also a member of Australian dental association.
Dr Claudia is a highly skilled dental surgeon with over 10 years of expertise in complex extractions and implant placements. She is fantastic at calming her nervous patients and putting them at ease with her friendly and gentle personality.
Alana joined our practice when she was 16 years old with no experience in the dental field, with lots of hard work and training in both dental assisting and reception she has moved onto the roll of practice manager and is proudly our warm welcoming face of Caring Dental Team.
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