Root Canals | Emergency Dentistry

Root Canals | Emergency Dentistry

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a vital procedure designed to save your natural teeth from severe infection. By removing the infected or dead pulp from the root, this treatment halts the spread of infection, preserving your natural teeth and eliminating the need for dental implants or extractions.

Don’t let a tooth infection compromise your smile. Let our skilled team restore your dental health with expert care.

Call us today: 03 9791 9688

When do you need a root canal?

A root canal is needed when the pulp at the centre of your tooth, which houses the nerve, becomes infected. This infection can result from trauma, deep decay, cracks, chips or repeated dental procedures. Understanding when you need a root canal can save your tooth and alleviate pain.

How does a root canal work?

Root canal therapy is an effective option to avoid tooth extraction and restore your smile. Our experienced dentist will:

  • Administer anaesthesia to the area
  • Open the tooth
  • Remove the infected pulp
  • Clean the root canal system
  • Fill the remaining tooth structure
  • Cap it with a dental crown for protection

Root canal therapy requires one or more visits, depending on the extent of the treatment needed. You may experience minor discomfort afterward, but you will be able to drive home and continue your normal routine.

During your consultation, we will discuss the chances of success, the procedure alignment and any potential complications. The cost of root canal therapy is often cheaper than extracting or replacing a tooth.

What are common signs of a root canal infection?

  • Spontaneous and severe toothache: Persistent pain that occurs without any trigger.
  • Sensitivity to temperature: Sharp pain when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
  • Pain upon biting or chewing: Discomfort or pain when applying pressure to the tooth.
  • Loosening of the tooth: A tooth that feels loose or unstable.
  • Discolouration: A tooth that has become darker than the surrounding teeth.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the gums adjacent to the affected tooth or even facial swelling.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us immediately to schedule an appointment and prevent further complications.

Ready for high-quality dental care?

Our team of dental professionals are caring, experienced and waiting to take care of all your dental needs. Give us a call today or fill in our enquiry form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Root Canal Emergency

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or dead pulp from the root of a tooth, cleaning the root canal system, and filling the tooth to prevent further infection and restore its function.

Symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to temperature, pain when chewing, tooth loosening, discolouration and swelling in the gums or face.

The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel any pain. Some minor discomfort may occur after the treatment, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

The duration of a root canal procedure varies depending on the extent of the infection and the complexity of the tooth’s root structure. Most treatments require one or more visits to complete.

If an infected tooth is not treated, the infection can spread, leading to more severe dental issues, including tooth loss, abscesses and even systemic health problems.

With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining the health of the treated tooth.

While root canal therapy is effective for many teeth, some teeth may be too damaged or infected to save. In such cases, your dentist will discuss alternative treatment options with you.

After a root canal, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, avoid chewing on hard foods with the treated tooth, and attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the health of your teeth.