Dental care
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to address infection or damage to the pulp — the soft tissue inside a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
Care that starts with you.
Overview
What you should know
Rather than removing the affected tooth, root canal therapy aims to remove the infected or damaged pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal the tooth, allowing it to be preserved wherever possible.
At Footscray Dental Studio, we use advanced root canal treatment technology to support precise, efficient treatment.
What's Involved
Root canal therapy generally includes:
- Assessment — your dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to assess the extent of infection or damage.
- Local anaesthetic — administered to ensure the area is numb and you remain comfortable throughout treatment.
- Access and cleaning — an opening is made to access the pulp chamber, and the infected or damaged pulp is removed. The canals are then cleaned and shaped.
- Filling the canal — the cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material to seal them.
- Restoration — the tooth is restored, often with a filling, and a crown may be recommended afterwards to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- Darkening of a tooth
- A recurring pimple-like bump on the gum
Not every case presents obvious symptoms, so a dental examination and X-ray are important for an accurate diagnosis.
Is this right for you?
Who It's Suitable For
Root canal therapy may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, often due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma. It's generally aimed at patients who wish to preserve their natural tooth rather than have it extracted. Your dentist will assess whether root canal therapy is a suitable option for your specific tooth, or whether extraction and replacement may be more appropriate in some cases.
What to Expect Afterwards
Some mild discomfort or sensitivity is common in the days following treatment, which typically settles over time. Your dentist will provide guidance on managing this and will discuss whether a crown is recommended to protect the treated tooth going forward.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal therapy painful?
Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure, and most patients find it no more uncomfortable than having a filling — your dentist will discuss pain management with you.
How many visits does root canal therapy take?
This depends on the complexity of the case and the tooth involved — your dentist will outline the expected number of visits during your consultation.
Will I need a crown after root canal therapy?
Often yes, particularly for back teeth, as a crown helps protect and strengthen the tooth following treatment — your dentist will advise based on your specific situation.
What happens if I don't get root canal therapy for an infected tooth?
Untreated infection can potentially worsen or spread — your dentist can discuss the risks relevant to your specific situation and the alternative of extraction.
Can any tooth be treated with root canal therapy?
Suitability depends on factors such as the extent of damage and the tooth's structure — your dentist will assess this using an examination and X-ray.
How long does a root-canal-treated tooth last?
With appropriate restoration and care, treated teeth can last many years — your dentist can discuss what to expect for your specific tooth.
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