Root Canal Treatment in Perth & Subiaco
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
During a root canal in Perth, a dentist removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals the space to help save the tooth.
Inside every tooth is a soft centre called the “dental pulp”, made up of nerves and blood vessels. Dental pulp can become inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, a crack, an injury or previous dental work. If it does not heal on its own, it can cause a severe toothache and eventually lead to an abscess or losing the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment Removes the Affected Pulp
Your dentist removes the infected pulp, then cleans and shapes the narrow canals inside the root before sealing them to keep bacteria out. The tooth stays in place. Fully grown teeth do not need pulp, so removing it doesn’t affect how the tooth works. Although the words “root canal” can be scary, this is a routine procedure performed under local anaesthetic in our purpose-built Subiaco dental clinic. Your comfort is always our priority.
The Aim Is to Keep the Natural Tooth
Without treatment, the root may become infected and develop into a dental abscess. In some cases, this may require the tooth to be removed. Where appropriate, root canal treatment may allow the natural tooth to be retained. Once the root canal treatment is complete, your dentist restores the tooth with a filling or crown where needed.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
A sore or sensitive tooth doesn’t automatically mean you need a root canal. Only a qualified dentist can confirm your situation. They need to examine the tooth and usually take an X-ray to work out the cause. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to book an appointment as soon as possible:
- Severe toothache when biting or chewing.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that continues after the trigger is gone.
- A tooth becoming noticeably darker.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum around a tooth.
- A persistent pimple or bump on the gum, which may be a sign of a dental abscess.
- Tooth pain that doesn’t settle with over-the-counter pain relief.
These symptoms require professional assessment. If you have severe dental pain or swelling, contact us for an emergency dentistry appointment so Dr Munro or your treating dentist can assess your situation.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment at Dental 359?
Assessment and X-ray
Your dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to see the infection and the shape of the root canals. This confirms whether root canal treatment is the right option. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, your dentist will discuss alternative options.
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You may notice pressure or movement while your dentist works. If you experience discomfort, let your dentist know so they can pause or provide additional local anaesthetic if needed. If anything feels uncomfortable, let us know. We can pause or add more local anaesthetic if needed.
Cleaning and Shaping
Your dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. The damaged or infected pulp is removed. Fine dental instruments are then used to clean and shape the canals. This may be done in one or two visits depending on your teeth, with a temporary filling placed between appointments.
Sealing and Crown
Once the canals are clean, they are filled and sealed to keep bacteria out. Some root canal-treated teeth need a crown, particularly if a lot of natural structure has already been lost. Your dentist will check how much tooth remains and explain whether a filling or crown is more suitable.
Root Canal FAQs Perth
We know that most people have questions about root canal treatment. If you can’t find the answers you need here, get in touch so our team can provide more specific information.
Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. You may feel pressure or movement during the procedure, and the tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards. The treatment is designed to relieve the pain of an infected tooth.
Root canal treatment may take one or two appointments. The number of visits depends on which tooth is being treated, the number and shape of its canals, and whether infection is present. A separate appointment may also be needed for the final filling or crown. Your dentist can give you a clearer idea after examining the tooth and taking an X-ray.
The cost of root canal treatment in Perth depends on the tooth and the complexity of treatment. Front teeth generally have fewer root canals than back teeth, which can affect the amount of treatment required. A final crown or other restoration is also a separate consideration. We give you a clear quote after examining the tooth and taking an X-ray.
Root canal treatment may be eligible for private health extras rebates. Whether you can receive a rebate, and how much, depends on your cover and limitations. We can provide the specific item numbers to check with your insurer. Our payment plans can also help spread the cost.
Some root canal-treated teeth need a crown, but not all. It depends on which tooth has been treated and how much healthy tooth structure remains. A tooth can become more brittle after root canal treatment. Back teeth often carry a heavier chewing load, so your dentist may recommend a crown if the tooth is weakened or has a large existing filling. In other cases, a filling may be appropriate. Front teeth don’t always need one. Your dentist will explain what suits the tooth during your root canal treatment.
If the pulp inside a tooth is infected and the cause is not treated, the infection can continue around the root. An infected tooth doesn’t usually settle on its own. Spreading infection can cause pain, swelling or a dental abscess. The tooth often has to be removed. Root canal treatment aims to save the tooth before it reaches that point. If you’re unsure, an assessment will tell you where things stand.
Important information: Treatment outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. All dental treatments carry potential risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the expected outcomes, risks and alternatives before treatment.