Acacia Dental Group: Getting a Root Canal In Woden

Phillip, ACT based Acacia Dental Group (ADG) would like to explain what Woden residents can expect when they get a root canal. Specifically, the clinic wishes to go over some of the benefits of root canal treatment and some of the main options available to anyone with damaged or badly decayed teeth.

The two main options, they explain, are to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant that is inserted into the jaw bone or to perform a root canal. Implants are a great option when the whole tooth is damaged, and they provide the patient with a new fully functional tooth that looks just like a real one. On the other hand, a root canal is an excellent option when the tooth is only partly damaged.

Root canals are considered a lifeline for natural damaged teeth. Acacia says, “There is a reason why millions of damaged and diseased teeth are treated each year with root canals. A root canal is the best treatment for relieving pain caused by infection, while at the same time saving the tooth. As a conscientious Woden dentist, we always do everything in our power to preserve your natural teeth before considering any other options. It is true that a root canal treatment means that your tooth is not technically alive anymore. However, it does mean that it will stay put, and you can keep your beautiful smile perfectly intact.”

This treatment is used to address an infection within the root canal system by removing the pulp under the tooth and filling the space. Pulp is the mixture of blood vessels and nerves found in the tooth (which extends down into the roots). When a tooth is infected, the bacteria can sometimes enter this area and cause serious damage. Getting a root canal not only reduces the chances of bacterial infection in the tooth pulp, it also offers a number of other advantages. A root canal means the patient can continue to chew and bite as they normally would. They will also have teeth that look normal and healthy, and the teeth near the infected one are protected from wear and strain.

While antibiotics can slow down a bacterial infection in a damaged tooth, they will not remove the infection completely, and an infection that is not treated can lead to an abscess — or the infection can spread further into the person’s jawbone. The only options once this occurs are extraction or a root canal in Woden. Some of the reasons one may need a root canal include severe tooth decay, repeated dental procedures, gum disease or trauma to the tooth.

“If we suspect that the root of your tooth has become infected, then a root canal is likely,” says the clinic. “That way, the infection can be cleared and the tooth can be saved. The first step is to book a free consultation with us at our dental practice in Woden. We will review your symptoms and decide on the best treatment. If you are in pain from the infection, we will be able to prescribe painkillers and antibiotics. Making sure that you are more comfortable will be the first priority. After your examination with us and we have taken an X-ray of your tooth, we can confirm whether a root canal treatment is the best course of action. If there is a risk of a complication arising, we will let you know immediately. All being well, the treatment is then performed in two stages.”

The first stage is removing the pulp. The patient is given a local anesthetic injection which numbs the area. The tooth is then isolated to avoid the spread of infection before the dentist makes a hold through which they will remove the pulp. A small instrument and liquid are then used to rinse and disinfect the area, and then the tooth is temporarily filled and sealed. The second stage is to fill the tooth, and this is usually done during the second appointment. The patient receives anesthetic before the temporary filling is removed and replaced with permanent filling.

For more information Acacia Dental Group and their services, including emergency dentistry, patients and other interested parties may visit their website. The clinic encourages their community to get in touch immediately by phone if they are experiencing a dental emergency.