Don’t allow fear of the dentist get the best of you.

Here at Smile Perfection located in both Aspley, Bulimba and Chermside, we want you to have all the information you can get your hands on to help you feel comfortable prior to your root canal treatment. The following article covers all the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that are commonly touched on during a root canal consultation.

What is root canal treatment?

Starting from the basics, root canal treatment is needed when the dental pulp that makes up the nerves of the tooth become infected. This generally occurs when a tooth becomes decayed and it is the best way to save a tooth from falling out.

How do you know if you need root canal treatment?

If one of your teeth has become decayed or damaged and is in need or root canal treatment, it is likely you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Your tooth feels loose

• Gums become infected or swell around the tooth

• Your face feels unusually tender or swollen

• You’re experiencing spontaneous spurts of pain

Many patients however may not be aware of the need for treatment principally because their body is fighting hard to contain the infection. This is why it is really important that you are attending regular check-ups and treating your teeth when our dental professional informs you of the problem. Otherwise conditions such as needing a filling could eventually lead to tooth loss where the decay is extensive.

 Do I need the tooth’s nerves (pulp) for the tooth to remain in place?

The dental pulp contains blood vessels that help to prevent the tooth from becoming brittle. When the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed from tooth decay, trauma or due to a handful of other causes, the condition pulpitis occurs. Root canal therapy is the best way to remove the damaged pulp and once removed from the tooth, the pulp will not regenerate. If your teeth have fully developed the loss of the tooth pulp shouldn’t affect your tooth’s functions and the tooth once restored, is likely to stay in the mouth for the remainder of your life so long as you continue to brush twice a day, floss and attend regular check-ups every six months.

Why should I undergo the treatment?

Root canal treatment not only saves the tooth from loss but it prevents a handful of other oral health issues that can often associate with tooth loss and infection.

Is root canal painful?

Because the tooth’s nerves lie below the gum line, the treatment is delicate and intricate but performed by one of our fantastic professionals, should be no more painful than getting a filling or restoration. In actual fact, patients generally feel less pain after the treatment as root canal therapy is ultimately treated to alleviate dental pain. The idea that root canal treatment is painful is a concept generated from past treatment methods but thanks to modern medicine and technology, the procedure is far less formidable than pervious treatments.

Where do I go from here?

Want to find out if you need root canal therapy? Book a consultation with our dentists today. Initially this should involve a general check-up follower by some virtually pain free X-rays to determine if your teeth are suffering any deep rooted problems.

Your comfort is our priority

If you find you are suffering pain on the day of your appointment, ensure you speak to your Smile Perfection dentist about it as they can often give good advice to help you feel safe and comfortable and ease any apprehension or fear you may experience prior to your treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, make sure you consult with us at Smile Perfection in Chermside: (07) 3861 5910 or Aspley: (07) 3863 4888 today.  Acting fast could be the key to ensuring you continue to have a complete and well-functioning smile for a lifetime.