Root Canal Therapy

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth.
Each tooth contains a nerve and blood supply (pulp) inside the root canals. When this becomes infected or damaged, it can lead to pain and sensitivity.
This may occur due to deep decay, cracks in the tooth, trauma or large fillings.

Why root canal treatment may be needed

Root canal therapy may be recommended when the nerve of the tooth has become infected or cannot recover.

The aim of treatment is to remove the infection and help preserve the natural tooth where possible.

This can help maintain normal chewing function and avoid the need for extraction in suitable cases.

Signs you may need root canal treatment

Some common signs include:

Persistent or severe toothache

Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

Pain that may wake you at night

Swelling or tenderness in the gums

A recurring pimple or discharge on the gums

Darkening or discolouration of a tooth

In some cases, an infected tooth may not cause obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations are important.

What to expect during treatment

Root canal therapy is usually completed over one or more appointments depending on the complexity of the case.

The procedure generally involves:

• Numbing the tooth with local anaesthetic
• Removing infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth
• Cleaning and disinfecting the root canals
• Placing a temporary or permanent filling

In some cases, medication may be placed inside the tooth between appointments to assist with infection control.

Restoring the tooth after treatment

After root canal therapy, the tooth may require further restoration to strengthen and protect it.
This may include a filling or crown depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining.

After treatment

It is common to experience mild tenderness for a few days after treatment.

This is usually managed with standard over the counter pain relief, such as Panadol.

Cost and treatment planning

The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on the tooth involved and the complexity of the case.
Your dentist will explain the recommended treatment and associated costs before proceeding so you can make an informed decision.

When root canal treatment may not be suitable

In some cases, if a tooth is too severely damaged, extraction may be recommended as an alternative treatment.

Will I need any other treatment after a root canal?

After root canal treatment, the tooth will usually need to be restored to help protect and strengthen it.
In many cases, this may involve a filling or a crown, depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the location of the tooth.

Book an appointment

If you are experiencing dental pain or suspect an infection, a dental examination can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment options.

Early assessment can help prevent further complications and support better long-term outcomes.