Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is carried out on to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury. Many people prefer to save their tooth because it generally will function better than an artificial tooth.

Infection or inflammation of the pulp (the soft tissue deep inside the tooth) can be caused by:

• repeated dental work to the tooth
• a deep cavity
• trauma
• gum disease
• breakdown of a filling or crown
• crack in the tooth
• extreme wear

Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discolouration, and swelling or soreness in the gums surrounding the tooth. If the pulp cannot repair itself, it will initially become inflamed. If it is not treated, it will die and become infected. Root canal treatment is then required to save the tooth. If the pulp of the tooth is not treated quickly, severe pain and abscesses (infections at the ends of the roots) can occur. If an abscess is left untreated, infection can damage the bone surrounding the root. If the tooth does not have endodontic treatment, it will have to be removed.

Treatment involves 2-3 visits. A temporary filling will protect the inside of the tooth between visits.

Pain or discomfort usually lasts no more than a few days and will not be experienced by each and every patient. Some people may wish to take a mild pain reliever such as ibruprofen.

The dentist will take several X-rays to check the shape and length of the root canals and the success of the treatment.

Your dentist will give you an estimate of treatment costs prior to commencement.

Contact Us to Book an Appointment

Call the Kedron Dental Centre on 07 3359 1201 to book an appointment or ask about one of our services.

If you don’t want to call, please fill out our Contact Form and we will get back to you to help with your enquiry.