A root canal is a routinely administered dental treatment that is very safe and effective. More importantly, it is usually recommended as a treatment to save your natural tooth so that you can avoid tooth extraction or the need for expensive prosthetic restorations.
Although root canal treatments have been portrayed in the media as a painful procedure, it actually helps to relieve pain for patients who are suffering from an inflammation of the tooth pulp. When your tooth has been badly damaged by trauma, disease or injury, the root canal treatment is typically recommended as a top-line procedure to preserve your natural tooth.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, our first priority as healthcare providers is to preserve your natural teeth as far as is possible – avoiding the use of any artificial teeth replacements. We use minimally invasive techniques as part of our Root Canal Therapy to minimize your pain (from the inflammation) throughout the procedure while healing your tooth from within.
As with any dental treatments, it is far better to fix a root canal issue early in order to avoid painful episodes later. It is also more cost effective to go for a root canal today than treating it with expensive restorative dental work later. Call our Canberra dental clinic to find out more on payment plan option for a root canal treatment.
Root Canal is a safe, effective, and routine treatment with a high degree of success.
What is a Root Canal?
A root of a tooth lies below the gum line where the nerves of the tooth are located. The tissue surrounding the tooth root is known as the pulp. When the root or pulp becomes infected, the patient has what is known as a “root-level decay”.
Root Canal Therapy refers to the process of removing the infected root and pulp before cleaning out the inside of the tooth and covering it with a protective seal. This treatment is designed to preserve the healthy parts of the original tooth in order to avoid the need for extraction.
Are They Painful?
Due to a popular misconception, many people believe that Root Canal Therapy is painful when in reality, it is a very safe and routine treatment that dentists perform with a high degree of success.
The root canal procedure has often been blamed for causing pain when in fact the pain comes from having an inflamed or infected pulp. The so-called “root canal pain” is largely attributable to irritated nerves due to the inflammation. The treatment is actually designed to alleviate the pain, not cause it. In reality, the procedure is no more painful than say, a regular filling. Call our Canberra dental clinic to find out various pain free technique available for a root canal treatment.
What Are the Signs That I Need a Root Canal?
The common symptoms associated with tooth pulp damage, signaling the need for root canal intervention, are Tooth sensitivity, facial or gum swelling, moderate to extreme toothaches, recurring abscesses, discolored tooth, and frequent gum boils.
Unfortunately, some cases of root-level decay may not exhibit any visible symptoms. That is why it is important to get your teeth regularly checked for any irregularities or suspicious developments to avoid any root canal treatment.
If you are looking for professional diagnosis or a second opinion on a root canal treatment in Canberra, call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the tooth being treated, the cost of a root canal in Canberra typically ranges from $900 to $3,400. The difference in pricing comes down to the extent of treatment required. For example, root canal treatments on molars are usually more expensive because they have multiple canals and require more intricate work. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we take pride in our transparent pricing. We provide upfront quotes before starting any treatment so that patients know exactly how much they are paying for for what. We also accept health fund rebates to help ease the financial burden and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Thanks to the use of modern anaesthetics, a root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. In fact, most patients experience immediate pain relief once the infected pulp is removed. Using gentle techniques and effective pain management, our team makes every effort to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the root canal procedure.
Depending on the complexity of the case, a root canal procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. In most cases, the entire treatment can be completed within a single appointment, so there is no need for multiple visits. We’ll be able to give you a clear timeline upon assessing your teeth.
In most cases, yes. After a root canal, the tooth can become brittle and prone to fracture, so installing a crown helps to protect and fortify the repaired tooth. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we offer same-day crown options, so you won’t have to wait weeks for your permanent restoration.
Some of the common signs and symptoms include: A lingering, severe toothache; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures; swollen gums; darkened tooth; or a pimple-like bump on the gums. If you’re experiencing any of these, you're advised to visit a dentist and get checked promptly to avoid further complications.
Not quite. It is almost always the better option to preserve your natural tooth. Extraction might seem simpler, but it can lead to other complications such as bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for costly replacements like implants or bridges. A root canal, however, is able to preserve your natural tooth’s function and appearance for years to come.
Antibiotics might temporarily reduce the symptoms – like swelling or pain – but they can’t cure the infection inside the tooth. A root canal treatment offers the only way to fully resolve the issue by removing the infected pulp. In fact, delaying proper care can lead to worsening pain or even tooth loss.
Yes. We accept Afterpay, Ezi-Pay, and on-the-spot health fund claims to make treatment more affordable and accessible. The treatment should not stop you from saving your tooth. Give us a call – our team can help you find a payment option that works for you.