An infected tooth can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, may lead to abscesses or further complications. Root canal treatment is an effective way to address the problem, but for patients who experience dental anxiety, the thought of the procedure can feel overwhelming.
Sleep dentistry allows root canal treatment to be carried out while you are asleep, so you do not feel or remember anything. This article explains how root canals work, what sleep dentistry involves, and whether it may be right for you.
How Does a Root Canal Treatment Help?
Root canal treatment removes bacteria from an infected tooth, saving the tooth and eliminating pain. The benefits include:
- Preventing the infection from causing swelling, abscesses, or bone loss
- Eliminating sensitivity to hot and cold
- Protecting the surrounding teeth
Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
If you have a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or issues from a previous filling, you may have an infection that requires a root canal. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Pimples on the gums
- Pus or a bad taste in the mouth
- Swollen or darkened gums
- Pain when chewing
- A loose tooth
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
Every tooth has an outer layer of enamel, a hard layer beneath called dentin, and a soft inner tissue known as pulp. The pulp contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves that support the tooth during development.
If the pulp becomes infected, a root canal is needed. The procedure involves:
- The dentist opens the crown of the tooth and removes the infected pulp down to the tip of the roots
- The tooth is filled and the root canal is sealed with an adhesive
- A protective crown is placed on the tooth
Once a tooth is fully developed, it no longer needs the pulp, as the surrounding tissues can sustain it. A root canal removes the infection and preserves the tooth.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
The infection itself causes pain, but the treatment can be made entirely comfortable. While lighter sedation options are available, sleep dentistry makes the procedure completely painless.
What Is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry uses a general anaesthetic to place the patient in an unconscious state during treatment. You will not feel, see, or hear anything during the procedure.
At The Point Dental, we have an on-site general anaesthetic facility where root canal treatments can be performed under general anaesthetic without the need to attend a hospital.
Is Sleep Dentistry Suitable for Me?
Sleep dentistry is safe and effective, and is particularly suited to patients with dental fear. If anxiety about needles, drills, or past experiences makes it difficult for you to sit through dental treatment, sleep dentistry may be a good option.
The Process
At The Point Dental, the full process is managed on-site:
- A specialist anaesthetist administers the general anaesthetic. The patient's oxygen, airway, and blood pressure are monitored throughout.
- The dentist performs the root canal treatment: opening the crown, removing the infected pulp, filling and sealing the tooth, and placing a protective crown.
- Once the procedure is complete, the anaesthetist reverses the medication. The patient wakes with no memory of the treatment.
Your Next Step
If you have a tooth infection and would like to explore sleep dentistry as an option, contact The Point Dental to book a consultation. We offer both sleep dentistry and root canal treatment at our clinic.