Root Canal Treatment

Lane Cove family dentist has experienced dentists with special skills and interest in performing complex root canal therapies at affordable prices. Please contact us on Lane Cove Family Dentist Phone Number 02-9418-6102 for further enquiries.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

Early warning signs you may need a root canal

Root canal treatment is often associated with severe pain, but many infections start quietly. Recognising the early signs can help prevent complications and improve the chances of saving the tooth.

Common warning signs include:

• Persistent toothache or throbbing pain

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

• Swelling or tenderness around the gums

• A darkened or discoloured tooth

• A small pimple-like bump on the gums

• Bad taste or odour that does not go away

In some cases, a tooth may be infected without causing pain. That is why regular dental check-ups are important, as X-rays can detect infection before symptoms worsen.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and may reduce the complexity and cost of treatment.

How Is A Root Canal Performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What Happens After Treatment?

After your root canal therapy, a suitable restoration (either composite filling or crown) needs to be placed within few weeks of completion. This helps in prevention of tooth fracture and failing of root canal treatment.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a root canal? A root canal is a common dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the root canal system, and saves the natural tooth. It is performed under local anaesthetic and has a success rate of around 90%.

What are the early signs that I may need a root canal? Common warning signs include persistent toothache or throbbing pain, sharp pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, swollen or tender gums, a darkened tooth, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or a persistent bad taste or odour. In some cases, a tooth can be infected without causing pain, which is why regular check-ups and X-rays are important.

What happens during the procedure? The infected pulp is removed under local anaesthetic, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Treatment may be completed in one or more visits depending on the complexity of the case. Most patients are comfortable to drive home and return to their normal routine shortly after.

What happens after root canal treatment? A suitable restoration, either a composite filling or a crown, needs to be placed within a few weeks of completing the root canal. This helps prevent tooth fracture and protects the long-term success of the treatment.

How much does root canal treatment cost? The cost varies depending on the severity of the infection and which tooth is affected. In general, root canal treatment is significantly less expensive than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.

For root canal treatment and other services in Lane Cove, contact us on 02 9418 6102.