The basis for root canal therapy

A healthy tooth contains an outer protective shell of enamel layer, followed by an inner adaptive dentine layer, and a deeper pulp chamber. The commonly used term of “root canal” refers to this deeper inner most pulp chamber of every tooth where the nerve of the tooth lives that acts to help provide sensory feedback to the body. For example to react to hot and cold.

Unfortunately a variety of causes can lead the nerve to become infected 

• Active decay on a tooth
• Crack extending to reach the nerve
• Irritation from extensive decay or dental treatment
• Knocks and injury to the tooth
• A history of orthodontic treatment
• Natural changes to the tooth

Once the nerve of a tooth is infected, the infection can build quickly or slowly. Sometimes the first signs of an infected nerve is very painful to start off with. This painful nerve sensation can be one of the most uncomfortable sensations that any patient will experience. It can disturb sleep and be strong and constant even if painkillers are taken. The Smile Team understands this level of discomfort is not pleasant and will accommodate patients to be seen promptly to commence treatment to alleviate this pain.

More often than not the nerve also become infected very silently, and only identified via a digital x-ray and dental examination testing. Even though there may be little symptoms to you the reason why an infected root canal cannot be simply left is that the infection will slowly but surely build. This often leads to infection extending outwards from within the tooth, destroying the bone surrounding the tooth. This slowly building infection is a factory of bacteria that can travel all a round the body even if its silent and not noticeable. This infection can also become very painful all of a sudden. As this infection increases around the tooth, it can further reduce the success of tooth replacement solutions such as dental implants.

Signs of an infected nerve requiring root canal treatment may involve the following symptoms

• The darkening of a tooth compared to its neighbouring teeth
• Severe hypersensitivity to hot cold with lingering sensations afterwards
• A tooth that is tender to chew, sore to tap on
• A tooth that is looser than its neighbours
• Gum pimple near the root area of a tooth which may release pus

The Smile Team treatment steps

Root canal treatment involves the steps of cleaning out the space for the nerve of the tooth. Typically root canal treatment requires two to three appointments.

Step 1. The initial appointment for root canal treatment has the goal of flushing out the bacteria from within the tooth as much as possible. A small hole is typically created from the inside or top surface of the tooth to allow medications along with mechanical cleaning devices to remove all the bacteria in the root canal nerve space for each and every root.

Step 2. Further disinfection of the root canal space is made. This second step is often required for teeth that are already heavily infected.

Step 3. Once the inside of the root canal space is completely clean, a root canal filling is placed by The Smile Team dentist to finish the treatment. Depending upon the tooth position and previous restoration size, the tooth may require a composite resin restoration filling or a porcelain crown. For very weak root canal treated teeth, a post may also be required to ensure your tooth is strong for long term use.