If you’re suffering from oral pain or discomfort, a visit to your trusted dental professional at Midland Dental Hub may result in a necessary root canal treatment. This procedure is recommended when a severe infection risks the loss of a tooth.
While this treatment may seem intimidating, it’s vital to remove bacteria from the infected tooth. Education is the best form of protection, so read on to learn exactly what a root canal procedure involves.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment at Midland Dental Hub involves the removal of the inflamed pulp (soft tissue/nerve) within an infected tooth. The procedure requires multiple steps to cater to stages of healing as the root canal is a complex system, extending from the root bottom to the crown tip.
Each appointment is 2-4 weeks apart to allow adequate healing time for each step in the root canal treatment.
Treatment steps
Numbing and cleaning
Local anaesthetic is administered first to numb the nerves within the tooth itself, as well as the surrounding gums. Only a tiny pinch is felt. Numbing is required to minimise pain, but those with concerns should refer to our detailed root canal fact sheet. Patients who would prefer to be sedated for this procedure also have the option of gas or IV sedation by our mobile specialist.
The next step is the removal of the infected pulp, which is done by creating a small space at the top of the tooth in question and using specific tiny tools to carefully remove the diseased elements within. The inner tooth is excavated and cleaned to remove all bacteria and minimise the risk of infection. The anti-biotic paste is then placed into the tooth.
GP is placed
Once the inside of the infected tooth is clean, your dental professional will pack the canal with a natural product called gutta-percha. This will help to protect the tooth and prevent infection.
Crown placement
The final step of your root canal treatment at Midland Dental Hub is the placement of a permanent crown once the tooth has healed after a few weeks. Crowns act like a helmet, holding the tooth together in the long term. Those with an extremely weak tooth may require the insertion of an additional supportive post to strengthen the crown’s position.
How long will the treatment last?
When carried out by dental professionals with extensive experiences, like the team at Midland Dental Hub, root canal procedures are an incredibly successful treatment. Many root canals have been found to extend the lifespan of teeth by ten years or more – this, of course, depends on factors such as patient health and existing conditions. Preventative dental care is key to extending the lifespan of these treatments – which is why scheduling regular check-ups and maintenance is so important.
Should you experience any repeated infection of the tooth in the years following your treatment, it’s imperative to book a consultation with your dentist. An experienced dental practitioner will investigate the issue and repair any cracks or decay, preventing bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Quality root canal treatment at Midland Dental Hub
At Midland Dental Hub, we’re leading providers of root canal treatments in Midland, as well as all necessary follow-up care.
For more information on our premium dental care services, refer to our root canal fact sheet, book a consultation with one of our expert practitioners or get in touch today.