Root Canal Therapy in Oatley, NSW
Do you need root canal therapy in Oatley?
Inside the chamber of your tooth is a small, hollow space called the pulp chamber, which further branches into one or more even smaller canals of the roots. This tissue is known as the pulp, and it contains nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissues, which are responsible for the nourishment and health of the tooth.
When the pulp is infected by the bacteria from tooth decay, it triggers an inflammatory response called pulpitis, e.g., it causes hyperactivity of the blood vessels as a normal body defence mechanism to fend off the bacterial invasion. It is this sudden rise of the hydraulic blood pressure within the confined pulp space that causes an excruciating toothache. If the pulpitis is left untreated, the bacterial infection will spread to the jawbone and lead to an abscess.
What Does Endodontic Treatment (RCT) Involve?
Firstly, your dentist in Oatley creates a small cavity to reach the pulp and the canals. Once all existing canals of the tooth are located, we take x-rays to identify their lengths and anatomical features. The canals are then thoroughly debrided and shaped internally using special root canal instruments called reamers and files. We use medicated irrigants to flush out all the infected debris in the canals and place an antibacterial dressing in the canals for complete disinfection between treatment sessions.
At the final appointment, the canals are sealed with root-filling material called gutta-percha, a plant extract. The tooth is now ready to be restored permanently with a dental crown.
Typically, the entire root canal process takes two to three sessions, depending on the complexity of the canal systems. Sometimes, a single appointment is all you need if the tooth does not show an established infection.
Most root-filled teeth will, however, need to be crowned to provide a complete seal and protection of the tooth. This is found to increase long-term success by more than 70 per cent.
There are a number of reasons to save your natural tooth with root canal treatment. For one thing, it will help you continue to chew naturally. A root-filled tooth will also ensure that you have a normal bite and natural sensation when you bite and eat.
