Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment (RCT or endodontic therapy) in Albury and Wodonga SJ Dental.
Safely and gently prolonging the life of your tooth
Root canal (endodontic) therapy is a treatment that allows you to keep a tooth or teeth damaged by decay for longer so that you can avoid tooth extraction.
Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) has inherited a bad name over the years. These days, however, it’s nothing to be feared. Root canal treatment is a safe, effective and highly successful treatment to remove damaged or infected pulp that dentists perform routinely.
“Think of endodontic treatment as a way of minimising pain and increasing comfort in the longer term…”
During root canal treatment at our dental clinic in Wodonga, the dentist works to save a tooth with an infected or dead pulp and prevent it from spreading. The root canal procedure involves cleaning out the diseased pulp so that the bacteria doesn’t spread any further while reshaping the canal. Once the pulp and nerve is removed, the root canal is cleaned, then sealed to prevent further infection. Then, a crown is placed over the tooth to further strengthen it.
Root canal treatment costs starts at around $850; however, back molars will cost more than $1200.
Symptoms of an infected or inflamed pulp
- bad taste in your mouth
- pain when biting or chewing
- a loose tooth
- oozing or puss around the affected area
- facial swelling
- sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- sudden or spontaneous pain, or dull aching pain
What causes a damaged pulp?
- untreated dental decay
- advanced or severe gum disease
- dental trauma
- long-term tooth grinding
- deep cracks in the tooth or teeth
- decay behind a filling
Diagnosing tooth pulp issues
After discussing your dental concerns with you, your dentist will perform a thorough examination including x-rays. These x-rays can reveal any issues with your tooth roots so that the dentist can plan appropriate action.
Root canal treatment steps: the RCT procedure
The root canal procedure here at our Albury and Wodonga clinic is usually performed over two stages or steps.
Step 1
Your dentist will thoroughly anaesthetise the area so that you don’t feel any pain. Once you are completely numb, the dentist might place a dental dam over the tooth to keep it clean and dry throughout the procedure. Next, the dentist will gently create an opening into the tooth, and using tiny files, will clear away any of the damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth. They will also file the inner chamber of the tooth and may irrigate the chamber to wash away any remaining pulp. Your dentist may flush through an antimicrobial solution to kill any remaining bacteria.
Your dentist will then fill the tooth chamber with a rubber-like material, then close the created opening with a temporary filling.
Step 2
References:
Better Health Victoria – Root Canal Treatment
Book An Appointment
To find out more about root canal treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us or book in with one of our dentist for an initial consultation.
Our Preferred Providers
Dr Stephen Jiang
Dr. Stephen Jiang is a highly skilled and experienced dentist with over 20 years of private practice experience. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Adelaide, where he excelled in his studies and received comprehensive training in various dental procedures. He also holds a PhD in medical and dental research.
Prior to establishing SJ Dental, Dr. Jiang worked in the public sector where he provided dental care to the general population. He has a passion for oral health and prevention, and he is committed to educating his patients on how to maintain optimal oral health.
Dr. Jiang has a broad range of expertise in all general dentistry, and he has a keen interest in oral surgery and complex dentistry. He is also experienced in both orthodontics and implant dentistry, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Outside of work, Dr. Jiang enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family and grandkids. He believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and he brings that philosophy to his practice by creating a warm and welcoming environment for his patients.
Patients describe Dr. Jiang as a compassionate and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With so many years of clinical experience behind him, he is sure to provide the best care for the entire family. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Jiang to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.
Dr John Xu
Patients have always appreciated Dr. Xu's gentle and polite personality, and many have found him to provide excellent service for all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Xu has a keen interest in preventative care, root canal treatment, and Invisalign treatment, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Outside of work, Dr. Xu enjoys cooking, and he has worked as a Japanese chef in the past during his university years. He continues to pursue his passion for cooking in his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his young children and family.
Patients describe Dr. Xu as a caring and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With his gentle approach and dedication to excellence, he is sure to provide the best possible care for all of his patients. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Xu to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.
Dr Louise Chew
Dr. Chew has a keen interest in preventative dental care, cosmetic procedures, and Invisalign treatment. Patients appreciate her gentle touch and compassionate approach to dentistry, and she is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to all of her patients.
Outside of work, Dr. Chew enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves to travel with them. Her passion for exploring new places and cultures has taken her to many different parts of the world, and she brings that same sense of adventure and curiosity to her work as a dentist.
Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, Dr. Chew is committed to providing the best possible care for all of her patients. With her gentle touch, compassionate approach, and dedication to excellence, you can trust Dr. Chew to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.