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Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is designed to save your natural teeth when significant damage has occurred such that the nerve is involved. This is most often due to decay, but can also be caused by cracks, large fillings and physical trauma to the tooth. 

The procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Once numb, we will shape, clean and seal the nerve space to ensure there is no more bacteria that may cause reinfection. 

As root canals are usually done when the tooth has had significant damage, we will usually recommend a crown after the root canal has been finished to structurally reinforce the tooth.

What to Expect

01

The procedure

The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin. We then fully clean the inside of the tooth to remove the infection and sealed with a biocompatible material. The procedure usually requires two appointments to complete.

02

After treatment

Root canals have a high success rate. There may be some tenderness to biting in the first couple of days, but we expect the tooth to be comfortable and functional following this recovery period.

03

Pricing

The cost of root canal treatment varies anywhere from $800 to $2500 depending on the tooth involved and the complexity of the case. We will discuss all your options and provide a full start-to-finish cost estimate before any treatment begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the tooth and surrounding area is fully numb before we begin. Most patients find the experience more straightforward than they expected, and we find that many even sleep in the chair! Some tenderness around the tooth for a few days afterwards is normal and settles on its own for most people.

Common signs include persistent or severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling around the gum, or a tooth that has darkened in colour. In some cases, there are no symptoms, and the issue is identified on X-ray. If you are experiencing any of these, come in for an assessment, and we will give you a clear answer.

Most root canal treatments are completed over one to two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of canals in the tooth. We will provide you with a clear timeline during your consultation.

In many cases, yes. Root canal treatment is specifically designed to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Whether it is suitable depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the surrounding bone and gum. We will assess your tooth thoroughly and give you an honest and clear recommendation.

Wherever possible, preserving your natural tooth is the preferred approach. Natural teeth generally function better than replacements and help maintain the surrounding bone structure. However, extraction may be the more appropriate option in some cases. We will explain the pros and cons of each clearly so you can make an informed decision.

Tooth Pain That Will Not Go Away?

Persistent toothache or worsening sensitivity is worth getting checked promptly. Root canal treatment is most straightforward when the infection is caught early. If you are in significant pain, we also keep same-day emergency appointments available.

We see patients from Strathalbyn, Mount Barker, Goolwa, Murray Bridge, and the surrounding region. Book online or call us today.

Book Appointment   08 8549 1708