GOLD COAST FAMILY DENTIST
Root Canal Gold Coast
Stress-Free Root Canal’s on the Gold Coast at Fresh Family Dental
You probably prefer the idea of teeth whitening rather than emergency dental work, but if you’re needing a root canal, look no further than Fresh Family Dental.
You might require root canal therapy when a tooth has very deep decay or has been heavily knocked. When the nerve of the tooth has been impacted, it often leads to pain and sometimes infection as well. Root canal therapy (RCT) is the treatment our Gold Coast dentists use for diseased or dying pulp.
At Fresh Family Dental, we can perform this procedure in house; however, in rare cases, we might refer you to a trusted specialist to get the job done in the best way possible. RCT usually takes between one to three appointments.
Prevent the Need For a Root Canal from Your Gold Coast Dentist
First things first, a root canal procedure on the Gold Coast is an absolute last resort. It can often be an emergency procedure and because of this, it is much better to prevent it beforehand. This might mean ensuring you see a general dentist regularly for checkups and fillings, and/or making sure you stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine at home. Doing these things will increase your teeth’s overall health and will prevent the need for a root canal before the problem begins.
The friendly team at Fresh Family Dental would love to talk to you further around what this routine might look like and how you can make it a regular part of daily life. Give us a call today.
What is a Root Canal?
Why is a Root Canal Procedure So Important?
If you have suffered an injury or your tooth has undergone long term decay the nerve may die and begin to cause pain. Often this will lead to an abscess where bacteria begin to multiply and can spread to other areas of the face, head and body. In this situation, we can extract a tooth or do RCT which will help to save the tooth for the future.
RCT is where the tooth is thoroughly cleaned inside, and then filled using a rubber material. There are many variables when it comes to the root canal, so it is important to have a trusted dentist to diagnose and consult with before proceeding with any form of treatment.
What Happens in a Root Canal Procedure?
Usually a root canal procedure on the Gold Coast will occur over two sessions. The first session will focus on cleaning out the tooth and getting rid of any infected pulp. In the second session, your dentist will begin to fill the tooth canal and prevent any more bacteria from getting in by closing the tooth and placing a filling. Often we recommend a crown or onlay as a final restoration to support the tooth for the future.
01
Measuring and cleaning the inside of the tooth
Once the decision to start root canal treatment has been made, we take great care in numbing up the tooth we will be working on so that the patient has the most comfortable experience possible. We then place a rubber dalm (a little like a surgical drape) around the tooth to keep the bacteria out and allow us to keep things as clean as possible. Next we measure the inside of the tooth to within 0.5mm using a variety of techniques including Xrays and an electronic ruler. Then we clean out the tooth internally, run some disinfectant through it and place some medicine and a temporary filling to allow the disinfected tooth some time to settle down.
02
Sealing Up the Tooth
The second and final session of a root canal will most likely occur a fortnight following the first session. This is just so the tooth has had time to rest and heal, as well as giving time for any infections to resolve.
This second session focuses on filling the whole tooth, including both the bottom of your tooth and the top of your tooth, also known as the crown. For the root section, the dentist will fill it with gutta-percha, which is a material that feels a lot like rubber. This will be compacted down so that there are no gaps of air within the canals. The top of the tooth will then be finished off with a regular filling and you’ll be all done!
Save Your Natural Tooth with Expert Root Canal Treatment on the Gold Coast
Ultimately we often recommend a crown or onlay for a root treated tooth to allow maximum strength and support for the tooth, but this is discussed on a case by case basis. A root canal can be an unwanted dental emergency for Gold Coast residents but at the end of the day, most people would rather save the tooth than lose it entirely.
For any further questions or general or children’s dental inquiries, contact us via phone or email or drop in for a chat. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to talk with you about your situation. Until then, from all the team here at Fresh Family Dental, stay safe and have a great day!
FAQs – Root Canal
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With local anaesthetic and gentle techniques, most patients say the procedure feels similar to having a filling. If you’re experiencing toothache on the Gold Coast, a root canal may actually be the solution to stopping the discomfort.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you have ongoing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, tenderness when biting, or a darkened tooth. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, which is why an examination and dental X-ray are important to properly diagnose the problem.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the level of infection. Your dentist will discuss the expected treatment timeline with you before starting.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
In many cases, we recommend placing a crown or onlay after a root canal to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. Root-treated teeth can become more brittle over time, so restoring them properly helps ensure long-term success. This is always discussed on a case-by-case basis.