Root Canal
Root Canal in Melbourne
At Lifestyle Smiles, our team of experienced dentists is committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients, and we will work with you to ensure that your root canal treatment is as successful and comfortable as possible.Â
We know how important a healthy and beautiful smile is to you and we want to help you achieve that. Call us today to learn more about how we can help restore and preserve your oral health.
What is Root Canal?
Root canal is a treatment performed on a tooth that is infected, or the nerve has died, or dying. The process is usually done on a tooth that is painful to eat on, has an abscess or has severe sensitivity to hot and cold that is not subsiding. By opting for a root canal treatment, you can enjoy a healthy and strong set of teeth for many years to come.Â
During a root canal procedure, the dentist cleans and disinfects the chamber where the nerve reside within the tooth, before filling it up with a special root filling, sealing the chamber so that bacteria doesn’t re-infect the tooth. The procedure can sometimes be done on the day from start to finish, but most commonly carried out between 2-3 visits over a few weeks.
Signs you might need a root canal
Sever sensitivity to cold that is not subsiding
Sensitivity to hot that is alleviated by cold
Pain on eating on a specific tooth
Spontaneous pain on a specific tooth
Persistent throbbing pain on a specific tooth
Draining abscess on the gum
 What to expect during a root canal procedure
Root canals are daily procedures dentists do and there’s nothing to be afraid of.Â
The procedure is carried out over 2 to 3 appointments over a few weeks, and during each session you will be given a local anaesthetic so the process is painless and comfortable.Â
The important factor for patient success is to see the dentist as soon as possible if you feel something is wrong with your tooth. Bad experiences can occur if you leave things too long and you have a big abscess or a really bad toothache because it can be challenging to numb up the tooth. In such cases you may be given temporary pain relief and antibiotics before tackling the procedure.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment
 The average cost of root canal treatment in Melbourne is between $1000-$2500 depending on the difficulty of the tooth and how many nerves the dentist will need to treat. If you would like more information, please download our pricelist.
Root Canal FAQs
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canals are usually not painful because the patient will be given a local anaesthetic. However, many patients have complained about previous bad experiences with root canals and the common reasons are:
- Â They left the tooth too long and there is a huge abscess, in these cases it can be a challenge to numb up the tooth. At Lifestylesmiles our dentist will not continue unless you are sufficiently numbed up and comfortable, only time and additional anaesthetic can alleviate this problem.
- Â The previous dentist was in a rush. When dentists are in a rush then this can also create negative experiences for the patient. So it is important to find the right dentist, a dentist who is gentle and compassionate is who you want to look after your teeth.
At Lifestylesmiles, our dentists are all experienced and trained to deal with the most anxious and phobic patients. It will also be helpful if patients come in as soon as possible when they realise there’s a problem, rather than waiting until the pain becomes unbearable, and an abscess develops.
Is root canal treatment safe?
Root canals are proven to be completely safe if done correctly. The most important aspect is for dentist to use a rubber dam at all times during root canal procedures. This will protect the tooth from being contaminated during the treatment by saliva, which contains thousands of bacteria and can affect the success of the root canal. In addition, the use of rubber dam also prevents patient from inhaling small instruments during the dental procedure, which is super important.
How can I avoid a root canal?
The simplest way to avoid a root canal is to look after your teeth, have a good diet, as well as brushing and flossing your teeth daily. In addition, visiting your dentist twice yearly is essential so that if there’s any small dental infections we can pick it up and fix it with a filling before it gives you a toothache. 2 small xrays (bitewings) are also recommended every 1-2 years to detect small holes that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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