You have probably heard the term whispered with a sense of dread as if it were an evil spell or some impending doom- root canal! This common dental procedure is so feared that it's become a part of popular slang, "I would rather have a root canal done than visit my in-laws!" It must be a terrible thing to endure, right?

Perhaps at one time in the earlier days of dentistry, it was, but now with today's advanced techniques, it is a fairly routine procedure that really isn't as awful as we may think it is- not to say it's a walk in the park, but if your trusted dentist in Browns Plains says you need to have one, don't panic, you will be fine!

So, what exactly is this terror-inspiring dental procedure? Let's find out!

A root canal, which also goes by the name endodontic therapy, is a treatment directed at infections in the tooth pulp that form your teeth's innermost layer. Dentists perform around 10 million root canals in Australia every year, so you are hardly alone if you need to have one done! The good news is that if you regularly take good care of your teeth you will probably never have to undergo one, but if you don't...

A root canal becomes necessary if the bacteria inside your mouth that should have been removed by regular brushing and flossing (hint hint!) infect the pulp on the inside of your tooth, which causes a kind of inflammation called pulpitis. Your tooth pulp is at risk of this bacterial invasion if you have a deep cavity that requires treatment, or if you have a cracked or damaged tooth. The sooner you have those conditions taken care of, the less likely it is you will need a root canal!

What if I need a root canal and don't know it? Well, usually the following signs will act as indicators:
  • Chronic Tooth Pain - Many things can make your teeth hurt temporarily, a bad bite on a bone, ice cream, or a sock in the jaw, but the pain usually passes. If the pain sticks around and your teeth hurt all the time down deep, then you probably have a tooth pulp infection and need a root canal to clean it out.
  • Pressure - It hurts when you are eating or touch your tooth, a sign that the nerves around your tooth pulp may be damaged.
  • Gum Pimple - If you find a pimple or boil on your gums that oozes pus with a bad smell, make a dentist appointment!
  • Discoloured Tooth - A tooth pulp infection prevents blood from properly entering your tooth which makes it turn a darker shade.
  • Loose Tooth - Bacterial residue or pus from infected tooth pulp softens the bones that support the tooth, which makes it feel wobbly and loose.
  • Swollen Gums - If you have a tooth that's infected your gums will swell and feel tender, another sign of trouble deeper down.
  • Swollen Jaw - Your jaw may start to swell from pus that isn't able to drain away from a tooth that's been infected.

if you have these symptoms visit your dentist ASAP, you may need a root canal!