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Experiencing a severe toothache? Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure designed to relieve dental pain and, most importantly, save a tooth that has become deeply infected or decayed. At Cosmetique Dental™, our experienced dentists in Sydney and Canberra perform this treatment with modern techniques and a focus on your comfort, helping to resolve infection and preserve your natural smile for years to come.
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). This infection is caused when bacteria enter the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. If left untreated, the infection can cause significant pain, lead to an abscess, and result in the loss of the tooth.
During the procedure, the infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed. The inside of the tooth is then meticulously cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. The treatment removes the source of the pain and infection, saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Root canal therapy is necessary when the soft pulp tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, a large filling, or a crack or chip in the tooth. This treatment is for patients who are experiencing significant pain and want to save their natural tooth from extraction.
Contrary to common myths, modern root canal therapy is a predictable and comfortable procedure. Our process is designed to efficiently remove the infection and set the stage for the tooth’s final restoration.
The process begins with a thorough examination and a dental x-ray. This allows your dentist to see the shape of the root canals and determine the extent of the infection.
A local anaesthetic is administered to completely numb the tooth and surrounding area. A small, protective sheet called a “dental dam” is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.
Your dentist makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp. Specialised instruments are then used to carefully remove the infected pulp, clean, and shape the inside of the root canals.
After the space is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it is filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. It is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy often requires a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect it from fracture and restore its full function. This will be planned with you by your dentist.
Root canal treatment preserves teeth but involves healing and possible follow-up care.
Possible Risks:
Recovery and Aftercare:
Access our detailed price guide to understand the investment in your dental care options.
No, the procedure itself should not be painful. Root canal therapy is performed to relieve the pain caused by a dental infection. With modern techniques and effective local anaesthetics, the experience is typically comparable to having a routine filling placed.
It is the infection, not the treatment, that causes pain. Once the anaesthetic is administered, you should be comfortable throughout the procedure. Any mild tenderness experienced for a few days afterwards can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication.
If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread from the root canal into the surrounding jawbone, leading to the formation of a painful abscess. This can cause significant damage to the bone and may pose a risk to your overall health. Ultimately, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.
Choosing root canal therapy allows you to save your natural tooth, which is always the best option. Saving the tooth helps to maintain your natural bite, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, and avoid the need for more complex and costly replacement procedures like a bridge or dental implant.
In most cases, yes. A tooth that requires root canal therapy has often been weakened by extensive decay or a large filling. Furthermore, the procedure itself involves removing the tooth’s nerve and blood supply, which can make it more brittle over time.
Placing a dental crown over the treated tooth is highly recommended to provide the necessary strength and protection against future fracture. The crown restores the tooth’s full function and ensures its long-term survival, allowing you to chew on it with confidence. Your dentist will discuss the best permanent restoration for your tooth.
It is normal to experience some tenderness or mild discomfort for a few days. This is usually manageable with medication and improves as healing progresses.
Choosing Cosmetique Dental™ means selecting a practice with extensive experience and a strong commitment to patient care.
Our dedicated team provides personalised treatment plans, utilising modern techniques and our unique in-house lab. We work to support the best possible outcomes for your smile, ensuring a comfortable and professional experience.
We offer interest-free payment plans to help make your treatment more manageable.
*Subject to finance approval, fees and charged
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If you are suffering from a severe toothache, don’t wait.
Book a consultation at Cosmetique Dental™ in Sydney or Canberra to see if root canal therapy can save your tooth.
Visit our emergency dentist clinics in North Sydney, the Sydney CBD, Bondi Junction, Parramatta, Macquarie Park, Hornsby and Canberra for urgent root canal treatment.
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