Root Canal Treatment in Northcote

A root canal is a specialized dental procedure that can alleviate pain and save an infected tooth from extraction. It can also help to maintain better overall dental health, by stopping the spread of infection. For many patients, the mere mention of a root canal can trigger such fear and anxiety that they would be hesitant in going ahead with the procedure, even if it means risking their teeth!

However, at Toothworks Dental, we aim to revolutionize the way you look at dental care. Our refreshing approach to dentistry focuses on creating a patient-friendly environment right from the start, and all the way until post-treatment recovery. You need not dread taking an appointment for a root canal treatment in Northcote any more, as we take utmost care of your comfort and well-being. In fact, it is our mission to make the overall dental experience so pleasant, that you would not think twice about getting the treatment you need. With our compassionate approach and beautifully relaxing clinic, we aim to make your root canal treatment in Northcote a stress-free experience towards a healthier smile.

What is a root canal?

When decay reaches the innermost layer or root of the tooth, a root canal is often the suggested line of action.

Simply put, a root canal procedure entails cleaning out the infected pulp from the tooth and removing the damaged nerves, filling it with a dental filler and sealing it with a crown. This entire procedure is performed under local anaesthesia to ensure zero pain and discomfort for our patients, and is designed to prevent further infection and save the tooth. Most treatments usually require around two visits to our dentist, but certain cases might require more.

Timely treatment can help prevent nerve or bone damage, and save your natural tooth.

Signs that you may need a root canal

Needing to get a root canal treatment usually denotes an advanced stage of tooth decay, that needs to be addressed immediately, to save it from extraction. Our Northcote dentists recommend that you watch for indicative symptoms, such as:

Persistent toothache
Intense pain during chewing, or while applying pressure
Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum area
An abscess or lesion on the gums, that resembles a blister
Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
Swelling around your face and / or jaws
Tenderness in the gums

When would our dentists recommend a root canal?

If you visit us with any of the above symptoms, we will thoroughly assess your dental condition, using advanced digital x-rays and intra-oral cameras to determine whether a root canal is necessary, or whether a simple filling can help relieve your pain. We will usually recommend a root canal treatment at our Northcote clinic, if we find that:

there is severe tooth decay that has reached the pulp. A root canal can help restore the tooth’s health and function.
you have an infected or abscessed tooth. When the dental pulp is infected, a root canal can help remove the infection and save the tooth from extraction.
your tooth has suffered trauma or injury. In this case, a root canal can help repair the tooth.

What can you expect during the root canal treatment at Northcote?

Our dentists are known for precision and care in their approach, and are highly skilled and experienced when it comes to performing root canal treatments. We will take you through the entire process and what you can expect at each step, well before we get started. Also, our clinic has been designed keeping you in mind – with comfortable ergonomic chairs, pain-free anaesthetic injections, ceiling-mounted TVs and noise-cancelling headphones to tune into your favourite music or podcasts, so that you are comfortable throughout your treatment. The standard protocol we follow in our treatments is as under:

Dental Imaging: This first step helps us better understand and scope out the degree of infection and damage inside the tooth, as well as see the exact shape of the root canal.
Anaesthesia: We administer local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures that you feel no pain at all while we work on you.
Placing a Dental Dam: Once your gums are numb, we will place a dental dam to prevent saliva release and to keep the tooth dry.
Accessing the Tooth: Our dentists will then proceed to create a small opening in the tooth, to be able to access the infected pulp. Unlike what it sounds like, this is a completely painless step.
Removal of Infected Tissue: We will then gently remove the infected pulp, and clean and disinfect the root canal, so that it doesn’t spread further.
Filling and Sealing the Tooth: We then use high-grade biocompatible material to fill up the canal cavity, and seal it to prevent re-infection. This is a temporary step to protect your tooth until your dental crown is prepared.
Tooth Restoration: Depending upon the extent of the damage, our dentists will use a dental filler and a crown with that matches the colour and shape of your existing teeth, to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.

After-Care and Recovery Post Root Canal

As with any invasive procedure, a root canal will also require proper care to be followed, for complete recovery. We will provide you with detailed after-care instructions, which could include:

Prescription medications such as antibiotics or pain-relievers
Diet recommendations, to avoid hard or chewy foods
An oral care routine
Regular follow-ups and check-ups to monitor your dental health

Why choose Toothworks Dental for your root canal treatment in Northcote?

Your comfort and well-being have always been our priority. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns and allay any fears that you might have, prior to starting with any procedure. Our modern clinic is equipped with advanced technology, to enable us to deliver optimal clinical outcomes, with patient discomfort. We also offer flexible payment plans for added convenience.

You can experience the Toothworks difference right from the time you walk into our clinic. We are here to offer a refreshingly different root canal experience, in a relaxed and inviting ambience.

Areas We Serve: Thornbury, Ivanhoe, Alphington, Fairfield, Fitzroy North, Carlton North, Brunswick, Preston, Coburg

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