Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside a tooth - the soft tissue containing the nerve and blood supply has become irreparably infected or has died.

This can happen as a result of deep decay, a crack or fracture in the tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or an injury. Rather than extracting the tooth, root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and restores it to full function.

It's a tooth-saving procedure, and in most cases a very worthwhile one.

Common signs that the pulp of a tooth may be infected or damaged include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
• Pain or tenderness when biting or chewing
• A visible abscess or pimple on the gum near the tooth
• Facial swelling
• A tooth that has darkened or changed colour

It's worth noting that in some cases there are no obvious symptoms at all, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important. If you're experiencing any of these signs, please don't put off getting it checked - the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

This is the question we hear most often, and the honest answer is that root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling.

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area completely before treatment begins, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure itself. Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is.

Our caring team at Dentistry on Unley will make sure you're relaxed and comfortable throughout, and will always check in with you as the appointment progresses.

The root canal treatment is usually completed over a series of appointments at Dentistry on Unley to ensure the tooth is thoroughly and carefully treated.

During each visit, our Unley dentist will use advanced diagnostic tools and modern equipment to clean and shape the root canals, remove the infected pulp, and progressively seal the tooth.

A comprehensive treatment plan, including the number of appointments expected and all associated fees will be presented to you before anything begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

In many cases, yes.

Once the pulp has been removed, the tooth can become more brittle over time and more susceptible to cracking or fracturing under the pressure of everyday chewing. Protecting the tooth with a ceramic crown is often recommended to give it the best chance of lasting long-term.

At Dentistry on Unley, we offer same-day CEREC ceramic crowns, which means we can restore your tooth beautifully in a single visit.