Experts Say…
All You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment
The Dentist’s Guide to Root Canal Treatment​
The Dentist’s Guide to Root Canal Treatment​
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal
Treatment
Guide

SMILE CONCEPTS
08 OCT 2020

If you’ve got a decayed and dying tooth, you’re probably thinking about getting root canal treatment. More often than not it’s the only way to save a tooth with a severely damaged root canal, and it’s important to get it as early as possible to increase the chances of success. 

Thankfully, damaged root canals are fairly common, occurring in people of all age from children to adults, and can be treated quickly, easily and safely in most cases. If you’ve got serious pain in your tooth and think you might have a root canal infection, call your local dentist for a check-up.

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What is a Root Canal? 

While many people assume a root canal is the treatment itself, it’s actually the space inside your tooth that connects it to your gums and allows blood, oxygen and nutrients to flow through your tooth. This space is called the dental pulp, and it’s the core of your tooth and essential for its health. 

If you’ve damaged your tooth either by breaking it or through poor dental care and oral hygiene bacteria can get into the centre of your tooth and cause an infection or abscess. If this infection isn’t treated early enough it can escalate to the point where you may lose the tooth completely.

Root canal treatment procedure

What to Expect from Root Canal Treatment?

When you get root canal treatment, the first step is to get an x-ray. This will show your dentist the shape of the canal and allow them to determine the extent of the damage and how best to tackle the problem.

Once the area has been numbed and treatment begins, your dentist will drill a hole into your tooth and remove the soft, infected centre of your tooth and reshape the canal to restore the flow of nutrients to your tooth.

After removing the infection your tooth will be sealed using a synthetic filling material and repair the crown. Depending on the damage you may need a custom tooth crown to restore your tooth to full function. If this ends up being the case, your dentist will take a mould of the tooth and send it off to be turned into a custom crown that will make your tooth look and work like brand new.

Root canal treatment causes
Root canal treatment costs

When you get root canal treatment, the first step is to get an x-ray. This will show your dentist the shape of the canal and allow them to determine the extent of the damage and how best to tackle the problem.

Once the area has been numbed and treatment begins, your dentist will drill a hole into your tooth and remove the soft, infected centre of your tooth and reshape the canal to restore the flow of nutrients to your tooth.

After removing the infection your tooth will be sealed using a synthetic filling material and repair the crown. Depending on the damage you may need a custom tooth crown to restore your tooth to full function. If this ends up being the case, your dentist will take a mould of the tooth and send it off to be turned into a custom crown that will make your tooth look and work like brand new.

Do I need Root Canal Treatment? 

If you’ve damaged your tooth recently or you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a damaged root canal it’s important you get checked out by your dentist. Whether you have a tooth infection or not, your dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and provide proper treatment. Signs you might need root canal treatment include:

  • Severe toothaches
  • Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks 
  • Darkening teeth
  • Noticeable holes in your tooth or bumps/pimples on your gums
  • Swollen and/or bleeding gums
  • Swollen face or neck
when to get root canal treatment

Root Canal Treatment Cost

The cost of root canal treatment can vary greatly depending on the dentist, the severity of the problem and any other work that’s involved. The average price of a root canal treatment in Australia ranges between $2000 and $3400 but can end up costing more if you need cosmetic dentistry to restore the outside of your tooth as well. Keep in mind, the longer you wait before getting treatment the lower the chances of saving your tooth become.

Many dentists offer payment plans these days, some with options to pay with services like Afterpay and Zip. This allows you to pay on your own time and manage the cost better while still receiving the treatment you need.

Where to Get Root Canal Treatment?

where to get root canal treatment
where to get root canal treatment

Choosing a licensed and professionally trained dentist is essential for proper root canal treatment. It’s a delicate operation, and while all dentists are trained to treat root canals, it’s important you get an experienced dentist to take care of your teeth.

Many people choose to see an endodontist for root canals, as endodontists are specialised in root canal treatment, but if you have a local dentist that you trust to take care of your teeth, they will be able to help you out. Only in very serious cases will you need to see an endodontist or another dental health specialist.

 If you’ve got the symptoms of a damaged or infected root canal, call your dentist today. They will be able to diagnose you correctly and provide you with appropriate treatment.

FAQ root canal

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION 1

Will my insurance cover the cost of a root canal?

  • While most health insurance providers won’t cover the cost of root canal therapy, certain private health insurance plans may. Remember to check with your provider to make sure that your root canal treatment is covered by your insurance. Depending on your level of cover you may also have to pay additional costs.
QUESTION 2

How long does root canal treatment take?

  • While most health insurance providers won’t cover the cost of root canal therapy, certain private health insurance plans may. Remember to check with your provider to make sure that your root canal treatment is covered by your insurance. Depending on your level of cover you may also have to pay additional costs.
QUESTION 3

How long does it take to recover from root canal treatment? 

  • Root canal treatment usually doesn’t take more than a few days to recover from. However, if your case was particularly complex it can take up to a week to heal if you’re still experiencing pain after two weeks, speak to your dentist immediately.
QUESTION 4

Is root canal treatment necessary?

  • If your dentist has said that you need root canal treatment, the alternative is losing your tooth. As it is an infection causing the pain in your tooth leaving it untreated will just leave the infection to spread and cause more damage down the line. It’s important to get it treated as soon as possible. 

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Dr_Manish_Shah
Dr Manish Shah

Dr. Manish Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in porcelain veneers, dental implants and Invisalign in Sydney. He is also a medical doctor with an expertise in sleep & craniofacial pain medicine practising at Smile Concepts.