Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) has inherited a bad name over the years. These days, however, it’s nothing to be feared. Root canal treatment is a safe, effective and highly successful treatment to remove damaged or infected pulp that dentists perform routinely.
“Think of endodontic treatment as a way of minimising pain and increasing comfort in the longer term…”
During root canal treatment at our dental clinic in Wagga, the dentist works to save a tooth with an infected or dead pulp and prevent it from spreading. The root canal procedure involves cleaning out the diseased pulp so that the bacteria doesn’t spread any further while reshaping the canal. Once the pulp and nerve is removed, the root canal is cleaned, then sealed to prevent further infection. Then, a crown is placed over the tooth to further strengthen it.
Root canal treatment costs starts at around $850; however, back molars will cost more than $1200.
After discussing your dental concerns with you, your dentist will perform a thorough examination including x-rays. These x-rays can reveal any issues with your tooth roots so that the dentist can plan appropriate action.
Your dentist will thoroughly anaesthetise the area so that you don’t feel any pain. Once you are completely numb, the dentist might place a dental dam over the tooth to keep it clean and dry throughout the procedure. Next, the dentist will gently create an opening into the tooth, and using tiny files, will clear away any of the damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth. They will also file the inner chamber of the tooth and may irrigate the chamber to wash away any remaining pulp. Your dentist may flush through an antimicrobial solution to kill any remaining bacteria.
Your dentist will then fill the tooth chamber with a rubber-like material, then close the created opening with a temporary filling.
After several weeks, and once the dentist is assured that the root canal treatment has been successful, the dentist will fit you with a permanent crown.
Reference: Better Health Victoria – Root Canal Treatment
Marketplace Dental is registered with all health funds and is a preferred provider with nib, BUPA, HCF and Medibank Private.
We offer the full suite of general dental treatments, along with cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, braces and sedation dentistry ‘happy gas’ – just in case you’re feeling even the tiniest bit anxious. Plus, we have an extra special focus on the kids, and we’re confident they’ll love coming to visit!
