You will likely have heard of the root canal procedure before. But not many people outside the dentistry profession will be able to tell you exactly what it is. If your dentist has asked you to consider undergoing a root canal, or endodontic treatment, you’ll no doubt have some questions that need answering.
In this article, we’re going to unpack what an endodontic treatment is. We’re going to dive into why you might have been recommended this treatment by your dentist – and take a look at some of the details you should be aware of before undergoing a root canal.
In order to understand when a root canal might be necessary, it helps to understand more about what it treats. Root canal therapy is a treatment undertaken to address an infection of the tooth. Every tooth is composed of layers, the innermost section of which is called the pulp. Most often the source of the infection is a deep decay, a result of a crack or chip that has weakened the protective enamel outer layer of the tooth allowing bacteria to penetrate.
The important detail is infected pulp within a tooth, when left untreated, can cause problems such as abscesses or infections in the teeth surrounding the infected tooth. A root canal, or endodontic treatment, refers to the process by which a dentist or dental surgeon clears away the infected pulp within the decayed tooth and preserves the part that can be salvaged.
While it is not a good or safe practice to attempt to self-diagnose, below are some of the more common signs that you might benefit from a root canal or endodontic treatment.
We recommend you book an appointment with your dentist is you have been experiencing:
These symptoms are among some of the more common signs that there is a deeper issue at play. But in order for the recommendation for an endodontic treatment to be warranted, a careful examination by a dentist or dental surgeon is required. If you have been experiencing symptoms like these, or any other form of dental discomfort, we recommend that you make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
A root canal is quite an involved procedure, and it is important that you discuss the particulars of your situation with your dentist. For more information on root canal treatments, you can look to our blog on treatment lengths and recovery times, or get in touch with us directly to learn more.
The team at Marsfield Dental Care have over two decades of experience in providing a range of dental treatments to patients in Sydney. Get in contact today by calling (02) 9887 1961 or leave an enquiry with us here and we’ll get in touch shortly.
"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."
COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021
All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.
