Root Canal Treatment done at Enhance Dental practice uses a state-of-the-art electronic cleaning and measuring device (apex locator).
This
high-tech device shown opposite is called the Tri-Auto ZX and may make root canals a more comfortable, predictable,
safer and faster procedure and ensures:
1.
An accurate length of the root canal can often be determined to help
prevent pain or discomfort during and after the procedure.
2. Treatment time is often shortened.
3. Success of treatment is high and this could help prevent
more complex and costly treatment or tooth loss.
4. Minimum use of X-rays is often possible and this increases your safety and may help
reduce costs. |
Tri-Auto
ZX |
Root
Canal Treatment
This
involves removing the pulp (called the nerve) from within the
tooth and then sealing the cavity. The pulp lies in the tooth
centre within a thin canal extending from the crown of the tooth
through to the tip of the root.
Root
canal treatment may be required when the tooth becomes painful,
tender to bite on, is particularly sensitive to heat and cold,
or may have an obvious large cavity, which extends into the nerve
of the tooth, or suddenly becomes dark in colour. Sometimes the
pulp of the tooth will die without causing any noticeable pain.
Other times the face may become swollen and antibiotics is often required.
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Under
a advanced dental anaesthetic, the remains of the nerve are
cleaned through a small hole in the crown of the tooth using
the Tri-Auto ZX. |
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Thin files are used, together with cleaning solutions and
medications are placed inside the canal accurately placed
to the correct position by using the Tri-Auto
ZX. |
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Minimal
x-rays are taken, to help diagnose the necessary treatment,
verify the length of your tooth and monitor treatment. |
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Finally,
a sealant is placed and bonded in the canal. |
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Upon completion of root canal treatment a final covering
is often placed on the crown of the tooth. This is recommended
because root filled teeth may become more fragile, brittle
and normally darken. You may choose either a porcelain (tooth
coloured) or gold crown for your tooth. The crown fits around
and protects the tooth from splitting. A white composite
,ceramic or metal filling may also be used but you could run a higher risk of tooth
fracture if it does not overlay the cusps of the tooth. Often a titanium or zirconium post
is placed inside the tooth to reinforce the tooth.
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Answers
to commonly asked questions on root canal treatment:
1.
The procedure can take multiple
appointments and will be determined in each individual case.
2.
The tooth may darken after root treatment, especially
if the tooth has received a heavy blow resulting in some bleeding
into the tissue. This will be eliminated by having the tooth crowned
as explained above.
3.
Usually more than 90% of root treatments are successful
and this may prevent more costly and complex treatments or tooth
loss.
4.
The procedure is usually painless thanks to the use of the
Tri-Auto ZX (see
above) and also advances in dental anaesthetic.
5.
Costs vary depending on the number of roots your tooth
has, the degree of complexity and skill required, use of high
quality materials/instuments and the length of time needed to
carry out this treatment. Expect front teeth to cost less than
back teeth. Please note due to the high variability of one tooth
compared to another a quotation will require you to first make
an appointment for a consultation by calling (03)9533-8488.
6.
Front teeth usually have one canal whereas back teeth
usually have two or three canals. Some back teeth have four canals
but this is less common.
7.
Your root treated tooth could last a lifetime, if you
continue to care for your teeth, gums and the tooth is often strengthened
with a crown as shown above.
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