Root Canal Treatment in Fairfield VIC

We offer root canal treatment in Fairfield.

Many patients have a look of dread when root canal treatment is mentioned because the procedure has an unfair reputation for being painful. Root canals, however, have several benefits, including restoring the health of an infected tooth and relieving pain.  

In some cases, we’ve met new patients who self-medicated to avoid treatment—believing the myths about root canal therapy. When you avoid treatment, you risk losing your tooth or the spread of infection. Additionally, we are committed to providing gentle and compassionate dentistry, which helps those who feel anxious.

Because root canal therapy saves your natural tooth, it is often considered the most conservative option. Alternatively, an extraction and replacing the missing tooth with a prosthetic could take longer and result in costlier treatment. Whenever possible, we want you to keep your natural teeth.

If you would like more information about root canal therapy in Fairfield, we welcome your call.

We also invite you to continue reading to learn more about root infections, treatments and preventive options to lower your risk for infection.

• How do I know if I need a root canal treatment?
• What leads to root canal treatment?
• Will my root canal hurt?
• What is the root canal process?
• How can I lower my risks?

How do I know if I need a root canal treatment?

The only way to know for sure if a root canal is required is to have a dental exam in our dental clinic. Your dentist in Fairfield can spot early root infection before it becomes a painful dental emergency. And we always advocate treating sooner rather than later because this approach may mean a better chance for success.

Aside from a dental exam, the first sign that root canal treatment might be necessary is pain. It sometimes begins with a dull ache or ongoing tooth sensitivity that eventually develops into a full-blown toothache—a dental emergency.

Symptoms and risk factors of internally damaged teeth may include:

• Darkening of the tooth enamel
• Tooth mobility
• Sensitivity to pressure, sweet, hot or cold 
• History of damage or trauma (even if it occurred years earlier)
• Swelling of the gums, jaw or face
• Small fissure on the gums
• Pain when biting or lying down
• A blister on the gum

However, dental health problems can mimic one another, which is why it’s crucial to see your dentist as soon as possible. We can diagnose and treat the problem so you can get back to living your life without pain or discomfort.

Also, failure to treat may lead to tooth loss or the spread of infection. We never want you to risk your teeth to an infection or other oral health condition.

What leads to root canal treatment?

If a tooth has been severely damaged by tooth decay, infection or trauma, the nerve of the tooth becomes non-vital. When this happens, the tooth will begin to experience discolouration, internal resorption, or spread the infection to other areas of the mouth. 

To prevent the tooth from being lost entirely, or infection from spreading, endodontic therapy is necessary. This process is otherwise known as having a root canal. The entire procedure typically feels no different than most other types of dental treatment, including dental fillings.

It’s important to remember that root canal treatment relieves your pain by removing the infected root and pulp. This approach to treatment restores your tooth to better health and keeps your other teeth safe from this infection.

We always recommend seeing your dentist in Fairfield as soon as you realise something is amiss. Early treatment saves your tooth and lowers your risk for needing an extraction.

Will my root canal hurt?

At Sparkle Dental Care, we prioritise your comfort and will thoroughly numb the tooth before getting started. During a root canal, the damaged nerve tissues are removed from inside of the tooth. The canal is then cleaned and sealed off to prevent reinfection. This approach to treatment typically provides immediate relief. This process also preserves the tooth so that it can continue to function and allow you to chew and speak without swelling or discomfort.

During your root canal treatment, you may notice pressure. However, patients typically do not feel pain. For a day or two following your root canal treatment in Fairfield, you may note mild soreness, but nothing compared to the pain of infection.

If you have any issues following your root canal treatment, however, we are always available to assist or answer your questions.

What is the root canal process?

The root canal process starts with an exam and diagnosis in our dental clinic—and we hope you’ve scheduled an exam due to tooth sensitivity as opposed to a severe toothache. We do not like to see our patients in pain.

If you have trauma or root infection, your dentist thoroughly numbs the area surrounding the damaged tooth. Then we gently remove the root and pulp through a small hole. We close the hole with a healing agent and provisional tooth filling.

After your tooth has healed—typically two weeks—we have you back and place a permanent filling or a dental crown. Usually, we recommend a crown over a filling to protect your tooth from breakage.

After the root canal, we place a full-coverage crown on top of the tooth. This is because the tooth is no longer alive and can be too brittle to withstand regular use. A crown will protect the exposed portion of the tooth from breakage and wear.

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to look like your natural teeth.

How can I lower my risks?

Root infections and tooth damage occur for a variety of reasons, including untreated tooth decay or an elbow to the lip during a sporting event. With the latter, you can develop pain and swelling long after the trauma.

But you can lower your risks through good and smart practices.

We recommend visiting your dentist regularly for dental exams and teeth cleans. With regular dental exams and periodic x-rays, your dentist can typically diagnose a root infection or deep decay before it becomes painful. Also, regular teeth cleans get rid of the bacteria that lead to specific oral health conditions like root infections, cavities and even gum disease.

You should also complement your in-chair dental care with a fantastic at-home brushing and flossing regimen. Members of our dental team can provide excellent tips to help you make the most of your routine as well, including nutritional advice.

Aside from dentistry and at-home maintenance, you should also avoid playing sports without the proper face gear or mouthguard. Also, if you grind and clench your teeth (bruxism), we recommend a nightguard. Bruxism leads to tooth wear and even breakage. A nightguard gently keeps your jaws separate as you sleep.

We Welcome You to Contact Us for a Dental Exam

If you have a dental emergency or feel like something with your oral health has changed, we reserve time in both of our schedules at our Fairfield dental clinics to accommodate emergencies as quickly as possible. 

An exam and x-ray are all that is needed to determine whether your tooth needs a root canal. Visit Sparkle Dental Care to get the answers you need and the care you deserve.

We look forward to restoring your comfort and your oral health.

We proudly treat patients in Fairfield, Melbourne, Darebin, Bayside, Brighton and beyond.