Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread deep into the tooth affecting the root and gum. When this happens, a root canal treatment may be required to help remove infection and save the tooth. Our team here at Elevate Dental is experienced with root canal treatments and can ensure the procedure is thorough, effective and as comfortable as possible.

30+ years
Experience
5 stars from 335+ reviews

The Procedure

Sometimes knowing what will happen can alleviate fears and concerns about dental work. Here is what you can expect to happen during a root canal treatment:

1. Examine

An initial dental exam and consultation will determine you need a root canal, and treatment will be discussed, including which protective covering will be used on your tooth after the procedure.

2. Irrigate

Your dentist will irrigate the tooth root to disinfect bacteria and allow healing to begin.

3. Scan

We may take a low dose digital x-ray scan to ensure all infection is removed from inside the tooth.

4. Disinfect & Protect

The dentist will add antibacterial medication and a seal in the tooth to protect against further infection. A protective filling or crown will be secured onto the tooth, so your tooth feels and functions as normal, without discomfort.

1. Examine

An initial dental exam and consultation will determine you need a root canal, and treatment will be discussed, including which protective covering will be used on your tooth after the procedure.

2. Irrigate

Your dentist will irrigate the tooth root to disinfect bacteria and allow healing to begin.

3. Scan

We may take a low dose digital x-ray scan to ensure all infection is removed from inside the tooth.

4. Disinfect & Protect

The dentist will add antibacterial medication and a seal in the tooth to protect against further infection. A protective filling or crown will be secured onto the tooth, so your tooth feels and functions as normal, without discomfort.

Payment plans & options available

No one should be priced out of life-changing treatment.

We work with you to find the best plan for your budget and your goals. 
We’ll get creative with payment plans, make on-the-spot insurance claims and offer 100% finance — whatever it takes to make your new smile a reality!

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When Root Canal Is Needed

In most cases, you can feel the pain or see symptoms of an infection that has spread into the tooth root. Some symptoms include:

  • Facial swelling in the area of an infected tooth or near a tooth in pain
  • Abscess either in the cheek or gum near an infected tooth
  • Difficulty opening mouth
  • Discharge from gum area
  • Extreme pain with throbbing or pulsating
  • Great sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Pain while chewing

Sometimes a deep infection may be present, but you only feel a small amount of pain near the infected tooth. Getting treatment as soon as you notice the pain is the best way for the dentist to diagnose and prevent an infection from spreading and becoming worse. If left untreated, an infection can lead to complications as it spreads to other teeth, deeper into the gum or other areas of the body, leading to more serious medical issues.

When Root Canal Is Needed

Once the treatment is over, many patients are surprised at how easy it actually was. After a successful root canal, patients may experience mild pain that may last from one to three days, due to swelling and possible interference with the surrounding tissue. The resulting sensitivity or discomfort should resolve itself in a few days. The following are some helpful tips if you need this treatment:

  • If your root canal treatment requires a second visit, be sure to return to your next scheduled appointment so your dentist can complete the procedure.
  • Medications for pain or an antibiotic may be prescribed; it is important to take these as directed.
  • Brush and floss your teeth as recommended, while taking special care around the treated tooth.
  • If pain or bite sensitivity persists for more than three days contact your dentist.
  • If you smoke, now is a great time to quit to avoid future dental (and health) problems.

Can you help with dental anxiety?

At Elevate Dental, we truly care about you and understand how tough dental anxiety can be. That’s why we’ve created a calming, supportive space with Netflix, noise-cancelling headphones, stress balls, and even happy gas to help you relax. Our friendly, expert team is here to make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and confident every step of the way. Click ‘Book My Appointment’ now and take the first step towards a confident, anxiety-free smile.

Netflix
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Stress Balls
Happy Gas

Frequently asked questions

Our trusted dentists are here to help you with your individual needs.
Explore our FAQs below or contact us if you have a specific question.

What is root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is performed to remove decay and infection from inside a tooth and its root. Using a computer-controlled unit, the root canal space is cleaned of infected tissue and then disinfected, which will allow the tooth and gum to heal.

With the latest technology, there is little risk of complications, and the appointment time can be reduced. Many patients are relieved to find that pain is kept to a minimum, while most patients experience minimal discomfort at all. And if you are anxious, no need to worry because we can provide medications to help you relax, if needed.

Will I feel pain?

At Elevate Dental, we strive to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible. We respect our patient’s wishes and we want you to know that we listen. Our experience has taught us that no matter what the dental procedure, many patients experience anxiety and fear. Unfortunately, a root canal treatment has a bad reputation, and creates more anxiety than other procedures. Fortunately, our experienced team can resolve most anxiety with a variety of techniques including:

  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • Nitrous oxide (or happy gas)
  • Working at a pace that makes you feel comfortable
  • Local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area
  • Sleep dentistry for the extremely anxious

When a dental exam exposes the need for a root canal treatment, inform the dentist right away of any anxieties or fears you may have. Together we will find a solution so you can feel confident knowing your procedure will be low stress.

How much does root canal treatment cost in Melbourne?

As with many dental procedures, the cost of root canal treatment in Melbourne varies depending on a variety of factors. The price of root canal will depend on the individual’s medical history, their dental situation, and the specific tooth where the treatment is required. For many people, there is also an additional cost for the dental crown that is needed after the procedure.

However, investing in root canal can save you money in the future. By saving your teeth, and dealing with the initial issue, you will prevent more expensive dental complications in the long run.

At Elevate Dental, we strive to provide high-quality, affordable care for all patients – we have our full pricing guide that details all treatments and payment options for every patient. Please feel free to call our team and we can discuss payment options and pricing with you in more detail.

How can I prevent root canal?

While not all root canal treatments can be prevented, maintaining proper oral hyenine will significantly reduce your risk of requiring it. Consistency is crucial, and by following the below guidelines, you will significantly reduce your chances of root canal:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Visit your dentist for regular check-ups
  • Address any dental issues promptly
  • Avoid excessive sugar intake
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing sport

What if I don’t want a root canal?

As the old saying goes, prevention is the best medicine, and we would always prefer to do the least invasive dental treatment available. You can do your part with consistent oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups that help prevent spreading tooth decay. In addition, regular check-ups can help us find and treat problems early or can stop the problem from turning into a dental emergency.

Will I keep my tooth?

Teeth are mostly sturdy and can survive without the root, which is why a root canal treatment is one of the most effective ways to save a tooth. Once the procedure is complete, a covering will be placed on the tooth to protect it from further damage. This often includes a dental inlay or onlay, but if too much of the tooth is missing, we can add a dental crown to strengthen and protect it. Some situations might require a tooth extraction due to extensive decay, weakness of the tooth structure, or deep cracks in the tooth. If this happens, a dental implant and crown is a solution for a permanent fix that looks just like your regular teeth.

Do you always need a crown after root canal?

No, not all root canal treatment will require a crown after the procedure. However, it is often recommended when a patient’s teeth have extensive decay or a weakened structure. A dental crown provides additional protection to the tooth and creates additional strength. In some cases, a large filling is enough, but a crown is very effective at preventing fractures or any further damage. When you get root canal treatment at Elevate Dental, your dentist will provide you with expert advice and guidance based on your teeth, and your personal circumstances.

How long is the recovery process after root canal?

The recovery period after root canal treatment varies depending on the individual, but most people will experience relief from any pain or discomfort within a few days of the procedure. While it is common to have some sensitivity and mild soreness in the treated area, this can easily be managed and will not be too severe.

Typically, our patients return to daily activities and responsibilities immediately following the procedure. Our dental team will assess the situation and offer personalised, professional advice, to ensure a smooth and seamless recovery.

Can I get a filling instead of root canal?

While a filling might be sufficient for treating minor decay, preserving your natural tooth through root canal treatment is often the best option. When your tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue within the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or infected, a filling is unable to treat the issue and root canal is required.

When you get root canal treatment, it preserves your natural tooth and maintains the integrity of your jawbone, and the surrounding teeth. On the contrary, if there is sufficient decay, and a filling is used instead, this can lead to the infection or inflammation worsening, and therefore result in severe pain or tooth loss.

Our dentists at Elevate Dental will be able to assess your personal situation and provide expert advice on the best course of action. Whether it is a simple filling, or root canal treatment, we’ve got you covered.

What people say about Elevate Dental

Celebrating confident smiles – because you deserve a smile you’re proud of.

5 stars from 335+ reviews

As someone with significant anxiety around needles, I’ve always found dental visits nerve-wracking, but the team here took the time to understand my concerns, explained each step thoroughly, and empathised with me, making the entire process painless and easy.

J. Floreani

Elevate Dental is the best dentist I have experienced. It is a modern, calming space and Judith and her team are amazing with nervous patients.

C. Hinchcliffe

Highly recommend Elevate Dentistry. I visited as a new patient with some dentistry anxiety. The clinic is extremely clean, calming, and the team are accommodating and kind. The clean and check up was very thorough. I would highly recommend to others, particular those with anxiety about dentists.

Shae de Wall

The Elevate team have been great to deal with and make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Highly recommend- especially if dentists visits are difficult.

Danielle Kimpton

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161-165 Swan St. Richmond VIC 3121
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