Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is often misunderstood, but it's essential for saving damaged or infected teeth and alleviating pain. At Parkville Dental Surgery, our team is committed to providing you with high-quality care and expertise in root canal treatment. Dr Duong and our team aim to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, helping you maintain your natural teeth and oral health.
What Is Root Canal Treatment? 
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat the tooth's soft core, also known as the dental pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive and functional. Infected or damaged pulp can cause severe pain and lead to other complications. The root canal treatment involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the tooth and sealing it to prevent future infection.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Common signs of a tooth infection that could need a root canal are:
- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swollen, tender gums around the affected tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A recurring pimple on the gums (dental abscess)
If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to consult with Dr Duong for an evaluation, which may include x-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure usually involves the following steps:
- Local Anaesthesia: We gently administer a local anaesthetic to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area, making the procedure virtually pain-free.
- Pulp Removal: We make a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber to remove the damaged or diseased pulp.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting: We thoroughly clean and disinfect the empty pulp chamber and associated canals to remove any remaining bacteria.
- Filling and Sealing: To rebuild its interior structure, we fill the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, we seal the tooth with a filling or crown to prevent future infection.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Pain Relief
The most immediate benefit is relief from the intense pain caused by the infected or damaged pulp.
Preservation of Natural Tooth
The procedure allows for preserving your natural tooth instead of having it extracted. This is beneficial for maintaining your natural bite and the efficient functioning of your mouth.
Cosmetic Benefits
A crown is often placed on the treated tooth, restoring its original appearance. This helps you maintain a natural-looking smile.
Cost-Effectiveness 
While the upfront cost of a root canal may seem high, it's often more cost-effective in the long run compared to alternatives like tooth extraction and replacement with dental implants or bridges.
High Success Rate
Root canal treatments are highly successful and can last a lifetime when performed by experienced professionals and properly cared for.
Root Canal Treatment in Parkville, VIC
Root canal treatment effectively treats infected or damaged dental pulp, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. If you are looking for root canal treatment in Melbourne, we invite you to consult our Parkville dentist to assess your symptoms and discuss your options. We would love to help you achieve the pain-free, comfortable smile you've always wanted!
