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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

After several weeks, and once the dentist is assured that the root canal treatment has been successful, the dentist will fit you with a permanent crown.

References:

Better Health Victoria – Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. The infected tissue is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and sealed. This helps save the natural tooth instead of removing it.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Modern root canal treatment is usually no more uncomfortable than having a filling done. Local anaesthetic is used so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Most discomfort people associate with root canals actually comes from the infection beforehand.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Symptoms can include strong tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling in the gums. In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms at all until a check-up is done. A dentist will use an exam and X-rays to confirm.

What happens if I delay treatment?

Delaying treatment can allow the infection to spread deeper into the tooth or surrounding areas. This may eventually lead to tooth loss or more complex treatment. Early treatment gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals are completed over one or two appointments. The exact timing depends on the severity of the infection and the tooth involved. Your dentist will explain the plan before starting treatment.

Can a root canal fail?

While success rates are high, there is a small chance of reinfection over time. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help reduce this risk. If issues do occur, further treatment can often be done.

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.

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