Root Canal Treatment in Sydney
Root canal treatment removes infection from inside a tooth so it can be kept instead of removed.
About root canal treatment
Inside each tooth is the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp, causing infection, pain and sometimes an abscess.
Root canal treatment cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals it. A crown is often recommended afterwards to protect the tooth from breaking.
Signs you may need root canal treatment
- Lingering pain after hot or cold food
- Throbbing toothache, especially at night
- Pain when biting
- Swelling or a pimple on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened
What to expect
Assess
X-rays and tests show whether the pulp is infected and how many canals the tooth has.
Clean
Under local anaesthetic, the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and disinfected. This may take one or two visits.
Seal and restore
The canals are filled and sealed. A filling or crown then rebuilds the tooth.
Before you decide. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Your dentist will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives before treatment. You may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Treatment is done under local anaesthetic. Most people say it feels similar to having a filling. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is common.
What is the alternative?
The alternative is removing the tooth, then considering a bridge, implant or denture to fill the gap.
Will I need a crown?
Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are more likely to fracture, so a crown is often recommended.