Root Canal Treatment in Brisbane
When your dentist says you need a root canal, that’s actually good news. It means the tooth can be saved, instead of extracted.
The procedure is not painful, as you may have heard.
At Brisbane Elite Dental we will numb the tooth so you won’t feel any pain, and there is little discomfort afterwards. Extracting the tooth would be less healthy and more expensive. In the majority of cases root canal treatment can be performed in one appointment.
Repairing the root canal is the way your dentist can save the entire tooth.
The other alternative is to pull the tooth entirely. However, leaving that space empty may create other problems, like making chewing and biting more difficult. Teeth may also shift position if missing teeth are not there to hold the space.
If you decide to have the dentist pull the tooth and replace it with a denture or bridge, the cost will be significantly more than the cost of a root canal.
Root canal treatment has three purposes:
- Stop the toothache
- Prevent bacteria and pain from spreading into the jaw
- Maintain the original tooth instead of replacing it with a denture or bridge
If you need to have a root canal treatment please call or email us today to schedule an examination appointment.
Top 10 Myths About Root Canals
People seem to cringe when they hear the words root canal. But reading the truth about these 10 root canal myths can help you get a better sense of what having a root canal is really all about.
1.Root Canals Hurt
Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety.
2.Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist
With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits.
3.Crowns Cause teeth to Need Root Canals
Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth.
4.Root Canals Cause Illness
There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness.
5.Root Canals Involve removing the Roots of the Tooth
The dentist removes the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed.
6.Pregnant women Can’t Have Root Canals
Pregnant women can do have root canals. Having a root canal requires a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen. the anesthetics that dentist use are also safe for pregnant women. Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant.
7.Even with a Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually
If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life.
8.If the Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, there is no Need for a Root Canal
While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment , many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth.
9.Pulling the Tooth is better than Getting a Root Canal
Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. there are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment.
10.After Having a Root Canal, My tooth is Completely Restored
After having a root canal , it is extremely important to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect the tooth from fracturing.
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