Root canal treatment, or root canal therapy, is a common dental procedure designed to save teeth that are severely decayed or infected. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, understanding what a root canal treatment involves can help you make an informed decision.
Here, we will provide a comprehensive overview of root canal treatment, its benefits, and the process involved, ensuring you know what to expect and how it can help preserve your dental health.
What is a root canal treatment?
The root canal system is made up of the dental pulp, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help grow the root of your tooth during its development.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system).
Root canal treatment may help save a damaged or infected tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, depending on the specific case and severity of the infection.
Root canals remove the damaged or infected pulp from the infected tooth, which is essential in preventing the spread of infection to other areas of the mouth.
Common Symptoms Indicating
the Need for a Root Canal
Here are some common symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal:
- Severe, sudden tooth pain
- Pain that intensifies when you eat
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- A visibly darker tooth
- Tender or swollen gums
- Swelling of the neck or face
- A hole in the tooth
- A loose tooth
- Pus near the infected tooth
How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
- Initial Consultation
During your first visit, the dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection.
This step is crucial to determine the specific nature of the problem, identify the number of root canals in the tooth, and plan the treatment accurately. - Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a pain-free experience.
This step is vital to make the procedure comfortable for the patient and to minimise any pain or discomfort during the process. - Removing the Infected Pulp
The dentist creates an opening in the tooth to access the root canal, then removes the infected or damaged pulp, blood vessels, and nerves from the pulp chamber.
This part of the procedure involves using specialised tools to clean out the pulp chamber and root canals thoroughly. - Cleaning and Disinfecting
The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection.
The removal of infected tissue ensures the tooth is free of contaminants. This step is essential to create a sterile environment within the tooth, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. - Filling and Sealing
The root canal is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.
This step prevents reinfection and strengthens the tooth. The temporary filling protects the tooth until the permanent restoration is placed. - Restoration
Depending on the extent of the damage, a dental crown may be placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance, protecting the treated tooth from further damage.
The crown covers the whole tooth and restores its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Pain Relief
Aims to eliminate the source of severe pain and sensitivity, potentially providing relief from symptoms caused by an infected tooth. - Preservation of Natural Teeth
Saves the natural tooth, potentially preventing the need for tooth extraction and prosthetics. Keeping your natural teeth helps maintain your bite and jaw structure. - Prevention of Further Infection
Potentially stops the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and teeth, ensuring the health of your whole mouth. - Restoration of Function
May allow the tooth to function more normally again, potentially enabling you to eat and speak more comfortably, depending on the success of the treatment and the individual case.
Conditions Treated by Root Canal Treatment
- Severe Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a progressive disease that begins with the demineralization of the tooth’s enamel and dentin. When left untreated, the decay can penetrate through the outer layers of the tooth and reach the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
This penetration can lead to severe infection, causing significant pain and discomfort. Root canal treatment becomes necessary at this stage to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canal system, and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and teeth.
By preserving the natural tooth structure, root canal therapy helps maintain oral function and prevents the need for tooth extraction. - Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Cracked or fractured teeth can result from a variety of factors, including trauma, grinding (bruxism), or biting on hard objects. When the crack or fracture extends into the pulp chamber, it can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation.
This condition often causes severe pain and sensitivity to temperature changes. Root canal treatment is essential to remove the damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the canal, and restore the tooth with a filling or crown. - Traumatic Dental Injuries
Traumatic dental injuries, such as those resulting from sports accidents, falls, or other impacts, can cause significant damage to the teeth. These injuries can lead to pulp exposure or damage, even if the tooth does not visibly appear to be affected.
Symptoms such as persistent pain, sensitivity, or discoloration of the tooth may indicate pulp damage. Root canal treatment is often required to treat the injured tooth by removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal, and sealing it to prevent infection. - Deep Cavities
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are caused by the destruction of tooth enamel and dentin due to acid-producing bacteria. When cavities are not treated in their early stages, they can progress deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp.
This can result in severe pain, infection, and inflammation. Root canal treatment is necessary when a cavity reaches the pulp to remove the infected tissue, clean and disinfect the canal, and restore the tooth with a filling or crown. - Chronic Tooth Pain or Abscesses
Chronic tooth pain is often a sign of underlying dental issues that require immediate attention. Persistent pain, especially when accompanied by swelling or the presence of an abscess (a pocket of pus) at the root of the tooth, indicates a serious infection.
Abscesses form when the infection spreads beyond the pulp chamber to the surrounding bone and tissues, causing severe pain and potential systemic health issues.
Root canal treatment is crucial in these cases to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canal system, and eliminate the abscess. This procedure helps to alleviate pain, resolve the infection, and save the tooth from extraction.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
- Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
Your dentist will assess your tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
This includes a thorough examination and detailed imaging to understand the condition of your tooth and surrounding tissues. - Treatment Planning
A personalised treatment plan will be created based on your specific dental needs. This plan outlines the steps involved in your treatment, including any additional procedures required for successful outcomes. - Root Canal Procedure
The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, and sealing it. Each step is performed with precision to ensure the infected tissue is completely removed, and the tooth is properly sterilised and sealed. - Post-Treatment Care and Follow-up
After the procedure, follow your dentist’s instructions for care and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. Post-treatment care may include guidelines on oral hygiene practices, dietary recommendations, and signs to watch for to ensure your tooth heals properly.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Sydney
The root canal treatment cost in Sydney can vary depending on several factors such as the tooth’s condition, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of restoration needed.
Generally, root canal costs are considered affordable compared to the costs and complications of tooth extraction and replacement with artificial teeth.
Factors that influence the root canal cost include the number of canals in the tooth, the type of restoration required, and the necessity of additional procedures such as dental crowns.
Our root canal treatments range from $650 to $1950. We recommend scheduling a consultation with us to receive an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs.
If you have private health insurance, it may cover a portion of your treatment, and we can process this at the time of your visit, so you will only need to pay the difference.
We also offer a direct debit option for our existing clients. To discuss this option, please contact our Practice Manager at (02) 9233 3399. Our payment plans are interest-free.
Why Choose Us As For Your
Root Canal Treatment In Sydney?
At The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, whether you’re having a simple teeth clean or more complicated dental implants, we pride ourselves on providing a professional, friendly customer experience at all times.
We care about your dental health and know it’s an essential part of your overall health care, which is why we try to make every visit to us as pleasant an experience as possible.
Our other restorative dental treatment services:
FAQs
Below, you can find more FAQs about root canal treatments in Sydney, but if you need any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Or you can use the online form to book
an appointment.
The duration of a root canal procedure depends on the tooth being treated and the complexity of the case. Typically, it can take one to two hours. Some cases may require multiple visits if the infection is severe or if multiple canals need treatment. During the initial consultation, your dentist will provide an estimate of the time required for your specific case.
Thanks to modern anaesthesia techniques, root canal treatments are designed to be as comfortable as possible, with minimal pain or discomfort during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced after the procedure, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Post-procedure pain is usually mild and subsides within a few days, with full recovery expected shortly after.
Symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and tenderness in the surrounding gums. An X-ray can confirm the presence of damaged or infected pulp. If left untreated, the infection can spread, causing more severe symptoms and potentially leading to tooth loss.
Most patients recover within a few days. It's essential to follow your dentist's post-treatment care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a permanent filling or dental crown. Good oral hygiene practices and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for successful recovery.
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth has the potential to last for many years, depending on individual factors and oral hygiene practices. A dental crown placed over the treated tooth can further protect and prolong the tooth's life. Regular monitoring by your dentist ensures that any potential issues are addressed promptly, keeping the treated tooth in good condition.
As with any surgical or invasive procedure, root canal treatment carries risks. This invasive procedure carries risks that can include infection, nerve damage, or incomplete removal of the infected tissue, which may require additional treatment or surgery. However, complications are rare, and the procedure is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified dentist. It's important to discuss any concerns with your dentist before the procedure to fully understand the potential risks and benefits. Your dentist will take all necessary precautions to minimise risks and ensure the success of the treatment.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
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FAQs
Below are some of our most frequently asked questions about our root canal treatments in Sydney:
Root canal treatment usually takes two visits to complete but may take more or fewer visits depending on the problem. Once the root canal treatment is completed a permanent filling is required on top to protect the tooth.
Occasionally, we may recommend specialist Endodontist care for teeth that may be more complex to treat. A painful tooth may require re-treatment or surgery by an Endodontist (root canal specialist). If all else fails the tooth may require removal, as a last resort.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, but when carried out by an appropriately qualified health practitioner, root canals are one of the safest and most successful dental procedures currently performed.
No the root canal process is almost pain-free due to the use of a local anaesthetic during the endodontic treatment.
The best way to avoid root canal treatment is to ensure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss, use quality toothpaste and regularly visit your dentist for checkups.
No, generally health insurance extras in Sydney do not cover root canal therapy.
Typically a standard root canal takes between 30 minutes to an hour.
If you still have severe pain after the treatment, or if your tooth feels better and then becomes painful again, you may have a failed root canal.
There are minimal potential side effects of a root canal but very rarely the surrounding nerves around the affected tooth can be disrupted, which can cause numbness in that area. However, it’s nothing to be concerned about and it usually goes away within a few weeks.
You can eat soft foods after a root canal but we would recommend not drinking hot or cold beverages (including coffee) straight after the procedure.
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Why choose us for
your root canal procedure in Sydney?
We at The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, understand how much root canal pain can affect your everyday life. We also know how important your dental health is to your overall health care.
That’s why we strive to make any dental work you have both a pleasant and an affordable experience.