frequently asked questions
Our team at Endodontics NQ are committed to providing quality dental care with professionalism and comfort. We understand the apprehension that many people feel when coming to see a dental practitioner. So we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below so that you can understand our procedures, be informed of your treatment and comfortable with your dental specialist.
what is an endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dentist who has completed advanced training and obtained extra qualifications to those of a general dentist (being a 3 year Doctorate degree) to become a registered specialist in root canal treatment. You can check if a dental practitioner is a qualified dental specialist by searching their registration status with AHPRA.
Endodontists are experts in root canal treatment and other procedures involving the pulp (internal structure of a tooth). The focus of endodontics is to repair and save the badly infected or damaged inside of a tooth instead of removing it, thereby preserving your natural smile!
The Endodontist will use a microscope for examination, endodontic and microsurgical procedures. Maximum magnification and illumination provide visualisation of the finest details in tooth structure not visible by the naked eye, allowing us to achieve the highest levels of diagnosis and treatment with exceptional precision.
what symptoms indicate i may need a root canal treatment?
You may need a root canal treatment if you are experiencing the following symptoms: continuous pain; extreme or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold; tender gums sensitive to touch; pain when chewing; pus around an infected tooth; darkening of a tooth; swelling in the face or neck.
what is a root canal treatment?
The goal of a root canal treatment is to save your natural tooth.
A root canal treatment is usually completed over two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection/trauma.
During your first appointment (referred to as the 'Debridement'), your root canal specialist will remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth, clean and shape each of the root canals and then relieve the inflammation and pain by disinfecting the tooth. A temporary seal is then placed on the tooth until your second appointment.
At your second appointment (referred to as the 'Obturation'), your specialist will check to ensure the tooth is free from infection before filling each canal space and then seal the tooth.
After a root canal treatment, you return to your general dentist who will place a crown or other restoration over your tooth to protect and strengthen it. Once restored, your tooth will continue to function like any other tooth.
To learn more about root canal treatment, you can watch the video below, courtesy of the American Association of Endodontists.
will i feel pain during or after the procedure?
The purpose behind root canal treatment is to relieve pain or symptoms caused by infection or trauma to your tooth. The vast majority of patients report they are completely relaxed and comfortable during their procedure, some even fall asleep!
Following your treatment, your tooth may be sensitive for between 2 to 7 days whilst the medication placed in the tooth works to rid it of infection, particularly so if there was pain or infection prior to the procedure. Such discomfort is usually relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. Antibiotics are not usually required, but if the Endodontist does prescribe them, follow their instructions exactly.
is there an alternative to root canal treatment?
If the infection in your tooth is not treated through root canal treatment, the only other option is to have the tooth removed. Whilst dental implants can replace missing teeth, saving your tooth whenever possible is always the ideal option – nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural teeth!