Ongoing tooth pain or lingering sensitivity can be a sign that the inside of a tooth is inflamed or infected. If it is, root canal treatment is often the way to save the tooth rather than lose it to extraction. The name sounds daunting. The reality is more routine.
It’s a well-established procedure, and modern techniques and local anaesthetic make it, for most patients, closer to a filling than the ordeal it’s imagined to be. At Perfect Smile, we focus on preserving your natural tooth wherever we can. Hence, we recommend root canal treatment if necessary.
In this article, we will explain what root canal treatment actually involves, the warning signs to look out for, and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
What Is a Root Canal, Exactly?
To understand the treatment, it helps to know a little about the inside of a tooth. Beneath the hard outer enamel and dentine sits a soft core called the pulp. It’s a bundle of nerves and blood vessels that keeps the tooth alive. The pulp runs from the crown of the tooth down through narrow channels inside each root. Those channels are the root canals, and they’re where the treatment gets its name.
When decay, a crack, or repeated dental work allows bacteria to reach the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Left untreated, the infection tends to spread, often leading to an abscess, ongoing pain, or eventual loss of the tooth.
Root canal treatment clears the infected tissue from inside the tooth. It disinfects and seals the canals, and lets you keep the tooth in place and working normally.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Only a dental examination can confirm whether you need treatment, but several warning signs are worth watching for. Catching a problem early often makes the difference in saving a tooth.
Here are the signs to look out for:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain when you touch or press on the tooth
- Swollen gums or jaw
- Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A pimple-like spot on the gum
- A loosening tooth
- Pain when chewing or biting
These can all point to infection inside the tooth. To be sure, your dentist will examine the tooth and may take an X-ray for a clearer picture. Bear in mind that some infected teeth cause no obvious symptoms at all, which is why regular check-ups matter.
What Happens During the Procedure?
If you’re curious about what happens during a root canal procedure, it’s important to understand that it usually takes two to three appointments.
First Appointment
At the first appointment, your dentist takes an X-ray to assess the canals and the extent of any infection. They will then numb the area so you’re comfortable throughout.
Once the tooth is numb, they make a small opening to reach the pulp chamber, remove the infected pulp, and clean and disinfect the canals. Medication goes inside to clear any remaining infection, and a temporary filling seals the tooth until your next visit.
You’ll usually be given at least a week between appointments. This gives the tooth time to settle and lets your dentist check that the infection has resolved and any symptoms have eased before moving on.
Second Appointment
At the following appointment, once the tooth is symptom-free, the cleaned canals are permanently filled and sealed, and the tooth is restored. Because a tooth can become more brittle after treatment, a dental crown is often recommended to protect it and restore its strength.
Traditionally, a crown is custom-made in a dental laboratory, which means wearing a temporary crown and waiting a couple of weeks before the permanent one is fitted.
At Perfect Smile, we also offer CEREC same-day crowns. Where the tooth is suitable, the crown is designed and milled on-site and fitted in a single appointment — with no temporary crown and no two-week wait.
Does It Hurt?
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but for most people the reality is far milder. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain while it’s being done.
But we’d always rather know if you’re uncomfortable, so please tell us at any point, and we’ll adjust.
It’s normal for the tooth to feel tender for a few days afterwards as the area settles. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to manage it. In some cases, such as a more stubborn or spreading infection, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics. If you have throbbing or worsening pain in the days after treatment, tell your Adelaide dentist promptly.
What Happens After Treatment?
Once the procedure is finished, you can get on with your day. If you’ve had local anaesthetic, take care not to bite your lip or cheek until the numbness wears off. This can take an hour or so.
To help your treated tooth last, look after it well:
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored
- Keep up regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash
- Visit your dentist for routine check-ups
With good care, a tooth that’s had root canal treatment can stay healthy and functional for many years.
Restore Your Smile with Root Canal in Adelaide
No one looks forward to a root canal, but modern dentistry has made it far more manageable, often no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. And with proper care, a treated tooth can keep doing its job for a long time to come.
If you’re considering root canal treatment in Adelaide, or you simply have questions about what’s involved, our team at Perfect Smile is here to help. Contact us today or book an appointment online, and we’ll guide you through each step.
