Root canal treatment removes infected pulp from inside a tooth so the tooth can be kept rather than extracted. Here is what the procedure involves, what affects the cost, and the risks to weigh up.
Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, is used when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or badly inflamed. The pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth containing the nerve and the blood supply, and once it is infected it cannot recover on its own. Treating it removes the source of the infection and, in many cases, allows a tooth that would otherwise be extracted to be kept.
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful. In practice it is carried out under local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth and the surrounding tissue during the appointment, and any tenderness afterwards is usually managed with ordinary pain relief. This article explains what the treatment involves, what affects the cost, and what to expect once it is done.
Every tooth has a hollow chamber and a set of narrow canals running down its roots, filled with pulp — nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Deep decay, a crack, repeated dental work or a knock to the tooth can let bacteria into that space. Once the pulp is infected, the infection can travel through the tip of the root into the surrounding bone.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, disinfects them and seals them. The tooth is then rebuilt, often with a crown, because a tooth that has been opened up and had its pulp removed is more brittle than it was before. The usual alternative to root canal treatment is extraction.
Symptoms vary, and some infected teeth cause no pain at all. It is worth having a tooth assessed if you notice:
Facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing needs same-day attention. Contact us or your nearest emergency dental service rather than waiting to see whether it settles.
Assessment. Your dentist examines the tooth, tests how the nerve is responding and takes an X-ray to see the root anatomy and any infection at the root tip. That is what determines whether root canal treatment is appropriate, and how complex it is likely to be.
Anaesthetic and isolation. Local anaesthetic is given, and a rubber dam is placed over the tooth to keep it dry and to stop debris and disinfectant reaching the rest of your mouth.
Removing the infected pulp. A small opening is made through the top of the tooth so the pulp chamber and canals can be reached, and the infected tissue is removed.
Cleaning and disinfecting. The canals are shaped with fine instruments and irrigated to clean and disinfect them along their whole length. Some cases are finished in one appointment; others are dressed with medication and completed at a second visit.
Filling and restoring. The canals are sealed with a root filling and the access opening is closed. A temporary filling is often used first, then replaced with a definitive filling or crown once the tooth has settled.
Cost varies with which tooth is involved — front teeth have fewer canals than molars — along with how many appointments are needed, the complexity of the canal anatomy, and whether a crown is required afterwards. Ask for a written quote that covers both the root canal treatment and the final restoration, so you are not surprised by the second stage. If you hold private health cover with extras, part of the cost may be claimable, and your fund can confirm what applies to you.
A well-treated and properly restored tooth can last many years. What tends to matter is the quality of the seal, whether the tooth is protected with a crown where one is recommended, and everyday care — brushing, cleaning between the teeth and keeping up regular check-ups. A root-treated tooth can still develop decay around its margins, so it is not exempt from ordinary general dental care.
Root canal treatment is an invasive and irreversible procedure: the pulp is removed and the tooth is no longer vital. It carries risks. Canals can be difficult to locate or negotiate, an instrument can occasionally separate inside a canal, and infection can persist or return — in which case retreatment, a minor surgical procedure or extraction may be needed. Discomfort for a few days afterwards is common. A root-treated back tooth is more prone to fracture, which is why a crown is often recommended to protect it. Complex cases are sometimes referred to a specialist endodontist. Your dentist will explain the risks and the alternatives that apply to your tooth before you decide anything.
Our dentists at Helix Dental, 2/299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters, assess and carry out root canal treatment as part of general dental care, and will talk you through what your particular tooth needs. If you are in pain, call the practice on 07 5572 8969 and we will arrange a time to see you.
General information only. This page provides general information about dental treatment and is not a substitute for individual clinical advice. Whether any treatment is suitable for you can only be determined by a dentist after an examination. Results and recovery vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Good to know
The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the tooth and surrounding tissue are numbed during the appointment. It is common for the tooth to feel tender for a few days afterwards, which is usually managed with ordinary pain relief. Tell your dentist if discomfort increases rather than settling.
It depends on the tooth and how much infection is present. Some cases are completed in a single longer appointment, while others are cleaned and dressed at one visit and sealed at a second. A separate appointment is usually needed for the final filling or crown.
Extraction is an alternative, and sometimes it is the more sensible option. It leaves a gap, though, and neighbouring teeth tend to drift, so replacing the tooth with an implant or bridge is often discussed afterwards. Your dentist will explain both paths, including cost and risk, so you can decide.
Call our Mermaid Waters practice on 07 5572 8969 and we will arrange a time to assess the tooth.
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