Root Canal Treatment in Lane Cove

Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals it to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. As your local root canal dentist on Longueville Road, our team has a special interest in root canal therapy, including complex cases. We care for patients across Lane Cove, Lane Cove West, Longueville, Linley Point, Greenwich, Riverview, Artarmon, Crows Nest and Chatswood. Call (02) 9418 6102 to book.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal i is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.

At the centre of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth, made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.

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 anaesthesia 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 unfavourable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anaesthesia 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 a 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.

After your assessment, we’ll give you a full treatment plan with cost estimates, including the filling or crown needed afterwards. We accept all major health funds, are network providers for Bupa Platinum, CBHS, Medibank Advantage, NIB, Westfund and Smile, and offer HICAPS for on-the-spot claiming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic, so it usually feels similar to having a filling. Most patients find the treatment relieves the pain caused by the infection. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.

How long does a root canal take?

Treatment is often completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and how complex the root canal system is. Back teeth usually take longer as they have more canals.

What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

The infection won’t heal on its own. It can spread, cause an abscess, and eventually lead to losing the tooth. Treating it early is usually simpler and less costly.

Is it better to have a root canal or remove the tooth?

Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option where possible. Removing a tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge generally costs more and takes longer.

For more information on endodontic treatment, visit the Australian Dental Association.