What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (or endodontic treatment) is performed on teeth that have been badly broken down, irreversibly inflamed or infected. This treatment is considered a last resort to save a tooth so it doesnt have to be removed.
During the procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed, then the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Left untreated, these teeth would usually become badly infected or abscessed and must be removed.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
You may require endodontic treatment if your tooth pulp has become infected or inflamed. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as:
- Dental decay
- Fractured or cracked tooth
- Trauma to the tooth (resulting in pulp injury)
Without treatment, you may experience pain or an abscess. Symptoms of pulpal infection or inflammation include dull, aching pain, prolonged pain after exposure to hot or cold, tenderness on biting, discolouration or swelling. However, often, patients experience no symptoms at all.
Our Process
1DIAGNOSIS
The process begins with thoroughly examining the infected tooth, including X-rays, to determine the extent of the infection and assess the tooth’s overall health. Once the infected tooth has been correctly diagnosed, your Aria dentist will provide you with a treatment plan for the root canal process.
2ANAESTHESIA
At your root canal appointment, local anaesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a painless experience. You can also choose to have sedation or sleep dentistry for your root canal. This is where you drift away or go to sleep to make the process even more stress-free.
3ACCESS OPENING
A small access hole is drilled into the infected tooth, providing the dentist access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
4CLEANING AND SHAPING
Special instruments are used to remove infection from the pulp chamber, and the root canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and remove damaged or infected pulp.
5FILLING
After cleaning, the void left by the removed pulp is filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, to seal the space and prevent reinfection.
6RESTORATION
In most cases, a tooth that has had a root canal will require a custom-made crown to restore its function and strength to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
Root Canal Therapy Pricing
The cost of a root canal can vary based on several factors, including the tooth’s location, the procedure’s complexity, and the need for additional treatments like crowns. At Aria Dental, our root canal cost guide is below:
- Initial consultation: between $170-$200
- Single root canal endodontic treatment: approximately $2,500
- Two root canal endodontic treatments (typically for upper premolars): approximately $3,000
- Molar endodontic treatment (4 root canals): approximately $3,800
FAQ: Root Canal Therapy
We’ve put together some of the most common root canal therapy questions to help you make an informed decision.
What Is A Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (or endodontic work) is a treatment that can be used to save a tooth with an infected pulp. Your root canal dentist removes the nerve and the tooth pulp, eliminating the infection, then seals to best protect the tooth from future bacterial invasion. However, a tooth will never be completely free from decontamination.
When Is My Treatment Considered Successful?
We consider your root canal treatment successful if you can keep your tooth and be symptom-free over a five-year period. A tooth can get reinfected, however, if it has not been restored appropriately (such as having a well-sealed restoration like a dental crown), becomes decayed again, or if it fractures – as this is a pathway for bacteria to re-enter the root canal system.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Root canal therapy is not painful. Our endodontic therapist is extremely skilled in his treatment methods and prioritises patient comfort at all times. You will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area, as with any other dental treatment. In some cases, you may experience minor postoperative discomfort; however, this can be adequately managed with analgesic medication.
How Long Will It Take For The Pain To Go Away After Root Canal Therapy?
After your root canal procedure, you may feel a little discomfort or pain for a few days; however, your dentist will adequately manage these with analgesic medication to eliminate any discomfort.
What Is The Success Rate Of Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 90 to 95%. As with any surgical procedure though, complications can occur. Please note that a tooth that has already had root canal therapy and needs to be retreated has a lower success rate.
What Are The Complications Of An Untreated Tooth Pulp Infection?
If you don’t treat your tooth pulp infection, several complications can occur. For example, the infection can spread and can cause a severe infection or endodontic abscess (a ‘blister’ of pus) which can erode the surrounding jawbone. Once this infection has occurred, we may then need to remove your tooth.
Are There Any Cosmetic Issues With Root Canal Treatment?
A healthy tooth has a normal, healthy pulp and is yellowish white. If we have removed your pulp, it may turn grey. If this has happened to your tooth or teeth, our dentist will suggest appropriate cosmetic options for you, such as tooth whitening, veneers or bonding to remedy any cosmetic concerns.
