ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IN MELBOURNE

A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or infection. The procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from the tooth, cleaning and sealing the tooth to prevent further damage.

If you have a toothache, there’s a reasonable chance you may require a root canal. A toothache commonly feels like a dull throbbing ache which may at times become sharp (acute). Commonly a toothache may wake you at night (although not always). Usually, dental pain which lingers more than a few seconds indicates a toothache. It may also be triggered by hot or cold stimuli, as well as sweet. When the issue has become chronic it may boil over and cause an abscess which is a sign of spreading infection. However, the best way to find out if you need a root canal is to get it checked out by a dentist at Studio Smiles.

There are many myths surrounding root canal treatments, and one of the longstanding myths is that they are extremely uncomfortable/painful. Now the truth is that once upon a time (decades ago) the way root canal treatments were performed in certain countries did make for a rather unpleasant experience. However, modern day root canal treatments are relatively pain-free. Often patients at Studio Smiles are surprised by how comfortable and quick their root canal treatments are. Once the anaesthetic kicks in and we have the noise cancelling headphones on with your favourite movie overhead, many patients forget they are even at the dentist. It’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during their root canal treatment (which we take as a compliment).

All our root canals are performed under the operating microscope – a tool rarely found in general dental practice. Root canal treatments are highly intricate as the nerve tissue being removed is often fractions of a millimeter. Moreover, there can often be additional nerves due to anatomic variations. By using our operating microscope, we can perform the treatment at 10x magnification and higher. Seeing better means we can find and remove all of the nerve tissue with higher accuracy – studies have shown operating microscopes to improve treatment success by up to 20%. Having an operating microscope means that root canals at Studio Smiles can be completed to the level of a specialist clinic.

Your dentist may recommend a crown after a root canal, and certainly at Studio Smiles this is standard practice. Once a root canal is complete the infection inside the tooth has been dealt with, however oftentimes the tooth is now quite weak, and the next concern becomes tooth fracture. Of course, it would be a shame to have spent the time and energy saving a tooth from infection only to lose it to fracture. This is where a dental crown, generally a porcelain (ceramic) crown comes in. The crown will act as a helmet for the tooth, holding it together and protecting it from further damage and breakage. Generally, it is best to have the tooth protected with a crown immediately following the root canal treatment, however in certain situations it may be recommended to delay the crown to allow the tooth to heal first.

There are a number of reasons why you might need a root canal. If your tooth is badly decayed or infected, the pulp inside the tooth could become damaged. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and eventually the death of the tooth. Without treatment, the tooth will eventually need to be removed. A root canal can help to save the tooth and prevent further damage. Root canals are also sometimes necessary after trauma to the tooth. If the tooth receives a blow that results in a crack or fracture, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause an infection. In this case, a root canal can help to clean out the infection and save the tooth.

If you think you may need a root canal, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment will increase your chances of saving the tooth and avoiding further complications.

The main alternative to root canal therapy is extraction. This is when the infected tooth is removed, taking the infection with it. You may then elect to have the missing tooth replaced with a bridge, implant, or denture. However, where a tooth can be saved with a root canal treatment, this is generally the preferred option as there is nothing better than maintaining a natural tooth. Although the upfront cost may be higher than having the tooth removed (extracted), in the long term it is generally the more cost-effective option as replacing a missing tooth later down the track is generally more expensive. Moreover, even with the tooth replaced it may be less effective for chewing and biting compared to your natural tooth. Where possible we recommend root canal therapy as a safe and effective solution to save your natural tooth.

When a tooth becomes damaged or infected, it may require a root canal to save it from being extracted. This dental procedure involves removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth and then sealing it to prevent further infection.

Root canals can usually be completed in one or two visits to the dentist, although more severe cases may require additional appointments. The length of the procedure will also depend on the number of roots that need to be treated. After a root canal, it is important to care for the tooth with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure that the infection does not return.

The fee for a root canal treatment can range between $880 and $1,980. The treatment for front teeth is generally more straightforward and hence the treatment cost is lower, whereas back molar (chewing) teeth tend to have more complex anatomy and hence the cost is higher. It is common for patients to choose to save their tooth with a root canal treatment over a cheaper extraction because of the availability of payment plans. Interest-free payment plans allow patients at Studio Smiles to get the treatment that they want when they need it most, without the stress of having to pay for the treatment up front. Smile now, pay later. For more information about our payment plans please click here.

If your tooth is causing you severe pain, call Studio Smiles directly to book an appointment. We have a policy that ensures we do everything we can to fit you in that same day so you can be pain-free. Get treated with comfort and care. Book an appointment today.

Here at Studio Smiles, we take pride in our emphasis on pain-free dentistry. We understand that going to the dentist can be daunting and that there are certain procedures you may find uncomfortable, so we use the latest techniques and technology to make you feel as comfortable as we possibly can. We also offer oral and IV sedation to take the edge off where needed, which means you can wake up to the smile of your dreams without remembering a thing! Book an appointment today.

It is important to care for your teeth after a root canal to prevent further damage. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your teeth, but generally you should avoid chewing hard foods, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups.