Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy has long been one of the most dreaded dental treatments. But not anymore—advances in dentistry have made root canal therapy more effective and painless than ever before. Bayside Family Dental Care values each patient’s comfort and safety, which is why we use rotary endodontics to perform efficient root canal therapy in Batemans Bay. 

Root Canal Therapy in Batemans Bay

Root canal therapy is named for the area of the tooth where the pulp resides, called the root canal. The root canal houses the nerve and pulp, which can sometimes become infected.

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a treatment we use to remove infection and nerves from the pulp inside a tooth. Not only does root canal therapy eliminate harmful infections, but it also protects the tooth from future infections.

Common Signs of a Tooth Infection

If you experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment. The only way to determine if you need root canal therapy is to see Dr Henderson for an exam. Common signs of a tooth infection include:

  • Pain in one or more teeth
  • Pain when chewing or applying pressure to teeth
  • Pain and sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
  • Darkening of one or more teeth
  • An abscess or raised bump on the gums 
  • Foul taste in the mouth 
  • Swollen or tender gums 

Without treatment, the infection can spread and lead to other serious concerns, such as:

  • Tooth loss
  • Pain and swelling 
  • Bone loss
  • Sepsis

A tooth infection can be uncomfortable or dangerous, but many people hesitate to get treatment due to fear of the procedure. Over the years, countless people have heard the stories that root canal therapy is painful, but it’s actually designed to relieve a patient’s pain and discomfort. 

This treatment may even be life-saving in some cases, depending on the severity of a person’s condition. The cost of root canal therapy varies, but it’s often more cost-effective than a tooth extraction and crown or bridge. 

The Root Canal Therapy Process 

The best way to reduce the risk of a tooth infection is to receive routine exams and cleans, especially at the first sign of any pain or swelling. If your dentist discovers that an infection is causing your discomfort, they may recommend root canal therapy as treatment. 

Root canal therapy has many steps:

Before we begin, we ensure the patient is comfortable, relaxed and well-informed about what to expect during and after treatment. Each treatment room has an adjustable dental chair and television. Also, we offer patients nitrous oxide, blankets, neck pillows and stress balls when needed. 

  • X-rays – We take x-rays to determine the infection’s location and severity and view the shape of the tooth’s roots. 
  • Anaesthesia – Your dentist may use a local anaesthetic to numb the area during treatment.
  • Access point – We prepare a small access point in the tooth to remove tooth pulp and nerve tissue.
  • Cleaning – Your dentist uses rotary endodontics to clean and disinfect the tooth, removing all traces of infection.  
  • Sealing – Once we remove the infection, we seal the tooth to protect it and prevent further disease. 

Are You Ready to Arrange an Appointment?

If you suspect you have a tooth infection, we invite you to contact us for an appointment. We offer personalised root canal therapy that many patients find gentle and painless. Together, we can restore your tooth and protect your smile from further infection and pain. Your smile is worth it!