Root Canal
Root Canal Therapy at East Adelaide Dental Studio
Endodontic therapy, commonly known as root canal treatment, is a procedure used to help retain a badly damaged or infected tooth. Rather than removing the affected tooth, root canal treatment may allow the natural tooth to be preserved when clinically appropriate.
Root canal therapy can treat badly infected teeth so that many remain functional for years afterwards. Local anaesthetic and modern treatment techniques are used to help make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Your dentist will examine the tooth and discuss whether root canal treatment may be suitable for you.
What Is Root Canal Treatment and Why Is It Needed?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that removes infected or damaged nerve tissue from inside a tooth to relieve pain and preserve the natural tooth. Also known as endodontic therapy, the treatment involves cleaning and shaping the internal pulp chamber and root canals before sealing the space. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
Bacteria may reach the pulp through deep decay, cracks, dental trauma or repeated treatment on the same tooth. This can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected. If left untreated, the infection may spread through the root tip into the surrounding tissues.
Root canal therapy provides a conservative alternative to removing a tooth when the tooth can still be restored. Retaining the natural tooth may help maintain chewing function and tooth alignment. The expected outcome and longevity vary depending on the condition of the tooth, the restoration placed afterward and the patient’s ongoing oral care.
As part of comprehensive restorative dentistry, root canal treatment may help preserve a natural tooth that might otherwise require removal.
What Symptoms Indicate You May Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms that may indicate inflammation, infection or damage inside a tooth include:
A swelling or pimple on the gum near the affected tooth.
Tooth discolouration or darkening.
Pain when biting or chewing.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks.
Persistent, throbbing or spontaneous toothache.
A cracked or injured tooth.
A broken, loose or large failing filling.
These symptoms do not always mean that root canal treatment is required. Some affected teeth may also produce few or no noticeable symptoms. Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take an X-ray to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
A broken or compromised filling does not automatically require root canal treatment. When suitable, early treatment with a new dental filling may help restore and seal the tooth before the pulp becomes affected.
What Happens During a Root Canal Appointment?
Root canal treatment generally involves several stages. The exact number and length of appointments depend on the tooth, the number and shape of its canals and the extent of infection.
Step 1 — Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding treatment area.
Step 2 — Initial Infection Management, if Required: Severe infections associated with facial swelling may need to settle before treatment begins. Your dentist will assess the infection and advise whether any preliminary care is required.
Step 3 — Canal Access: A small opening is created in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
Step 4 — Cleaning and Sealing: Infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed. The canals are then cleaned, shaped and disinfected before being filled and sealed with an appropriate material. A temporary or permanent filling may be placed over the access opening.
Step 5 — Final Restoration: Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, a protective restoration such as a filling or crown may be recommended. When clinically appropriate, CEREC technology may allow a ceramic crown to be designed, made and fitted within the practice.
Some cases may require more than one appointment, particularly when infection is present or the tooth has complex root anatomy. Your dentist will explain the expected treatment stages before proceeding. Learn more about available crowns and bridges.
Why May a Crown Be Needed After a Root Canal?
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may have lost structure because of decay, cracks, previous fillings or the access required during treatment. This can make the tooth more vulnerable to fracture under biting pressure.
Back teeth generally experience heavier chewing forces and may require additional protection after treatment. Depending on the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, your dentist may recommend a crown or another suitable restoration. A crown covers the visible part of the tooth and helps distribute biting forces across its surface.
When clinically appropriate, CEREC technology may allow a ceramic crown to be digitally designed, made and fitted within the practice. Learn more about crowns and bridges at East Adelaide Dental Studio.
Not every root canal-treated tooth requires the same restoration. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain the available options. If a tooth cannot be restored, removal may be considered. Information about extractions and wisdom teeth removal is also available.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Root canal treatment is generally comfortable when performed with appropriate local anaesthetic. Patients may feel pressure or vibration during the procedure, but the treatment area is numbed before work begins. Individual experiences can vary depending on the condition of the tooth and the extent of infection.
Patients who feel anxious about treatment can discuss their concerns with the dental team. Our care for nervous patients includes a calm and unhurried appointment style and clear communication throughout the procedure.
Temporary tenderness or discomfort may occur after treatment as the surrounding tissues recover. Over-the-counter pain relief usually manages this discomfort, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and contact the clinic if pain is severe, persists or causes concern.
What Payment Options Are Available for Root Canal Treatment?
East Adelaide Dental Studio accepts most major private health funds at its Glenside practice and holds preferred provider arrangements. Available rebates and out-of-pocket costs depend on the patient’s fund, policy and level of cover. Where applicable, eligible benefits may be claimed through HICAPS at the practice.
Eligible patients may also be able to use payment arrangements such as DentiCare or Afterpay, subject to the provider’s terms, conditions and approval requirements. Further information is available on our payment options page.
The cost of root canal treatment varies according to factors such as the tooth being treated, the number and shape of its canals, the complexity of treatment and the type of final restoration required. Following an examination and appropriate imaging, the clinic can provide a personalised written treatment plan outlining the expected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both root canal treatment and tooth extraction are generally performed under local anaesthetic. Patients may feel pressure or vibration during either procedure, and some temporary discomfort may occur afterward. The experience and recovery vary depending on the tooth, the extent of infection and individual factors. Patients with dental anxiety can learn more about our care for nervous patients.
A properly restored root canal-treated tooth often lasts 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on the case. Longevity varies according to the condition of the tooth, the quality and type of final restoration, bite forces, oral hygiene and attendance at regular dental examinations. A protective dental crown may be recommended for some teeth.
Some straightforward root canal treatments may be completed in one appointment. Other cases, including teeth with infection or complex root anatomy, may require multiple visits. When clinically appropriate, CEREC technology may allow a protective ceramic crown to be made and fitted within the practice. Your dentist will explain the expected number of appointments after assessing the tooth.
The cost of root canal treatment varies according to the tooth being treated, the number and shape of its canals, the complexity of treatment and whether a crown or another restoration is required. Following an examination and appropriate imaging, East Adelaide Dental Studio can provide a personalised written treatment plan. Review the clinic’s payment options for further information.
If an infected or inflamed tooth is left untreated, symptoms may worsen and the infection may spread into the surrounding tissues. This can contribute to an abscess, swelling, bone changes or loss of the tooth. If the tooth becomes too damaged to restore, tooth extraction may be required. When clinically appropriate, saving the natural tooth through endodontic therapy is usually the preferred treatment outcome.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.