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Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment in Lower Hutt, NZ

 

Root canal treatments (also known as endodontic treatment) are essential if the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected or diseased. This treatment option ensures that the natural tooth remains in place and extraction isn’t required. The procedure typically takes two to three appointments, where the dentist cleans the inside of the tooth and removes any decayed tissue together with the nerve. A temporary filling will be placed in your tooth before a crown can cover it.

This is a pain free procedure; our best compliment is when a patient falls asleep in the chair during it. Your first appointment for a root canal is usually prompted by pain, you would have a tooth ache that has kept you up at night and you are just looking for relief.

After your first appointment you will notice an improvement to your symptoms. Depending on the size of the abscess, sometimes it may take a couple days to settle down. While patients may think that the only solve for a painful tooth is to have it removed, as no tooth no problem mind set. It is important to save your teeth if you can. When a tooth is removed in place of a root canal treatment the teeth either side tilt into that gap and the tooth above or below may over erupt depending on the location.

To prevent the need for a root canal treatment, ensure you stay on top of your oral health and visit your dentist as soon as you feel any pain in your tooth. An infection of the nerve can be caused by deep decay or repeated procedures on the tooth.

Abscessed Tooth

Symptoms to look our for

Root canal treatments are required when the nerve in the tooth becomes infected. Look out for the following signs and visit your dentist immediately if you experience any:

  • Ongoing toothache even when using pain relief medication
  • Pain when eating or drinking and biting down
  • Swelling or an abscess on your gum
  • Deep decay of your tooth (might not cause pain at the start)
  • Not all teeth that require root canals have symptoms

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

As the root canal treatment typically requires two to three appointments, it is good to know what you can expect:

  • Your dentist will take x-rays to assess the root of your tooth and check for infection
  • After using a local anaesthetic, a small hole will be made at the top of your tooth to access the centre
  • Your dentist will remove the nerve, bacteria and any decayed tissue inside the teeth
  • Your tooth will be cleaned with a sterilising solution to ensure all the decay is gone and placing a temporary filler inside
  • Once the procedure is fully completed which ay take 2-3 visits your tooth will be assessed for a crown treatment.
  • Your general dentist will then advise the next steps to future proof this tooth.
Prevention of Root Canal

Root canal treatment is preventable in the following ways:

  • Brush the teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss at least once a day
  • See your general dentist regularly

Contact Central Hutt Dental in Lower Hutt

 

Find out if a root canal is suitable for you by visiting our dental clinic in Lower Hutt. Schedule an appointment online or by dialling 04 566 1122 today.