A root canal is a dental procedure that is often required when the tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth’s root canal, becomes infected or decayed. This procedure is very important for saving the natural tooth and preventing the need for tooth extraction.
At Ageless Smiles Dental Centre in Perth, our dentists will keep you as comfortable as possible while assisting you with your root canal treatment.
What Is a
Root Canal and When Is it Needed?
The root canal procedure includes removing the decayed, damaged, or infected pulp from inside the tooth’s root. Then your dentist will clean and disinfect the area, and then fill and seal or close up the tooth. This helps to prevent future infections and can save the natural tooth.
Symptoms Indicating You May Need a Root Canal
| Symptom | Problem |
| Persistent tooth pain | this is the most common symptom of a root canal infection. The pain may be sharp, throbbing, or aching, and it may be constant or come and go. The pain may also be worse at night or when you lie down. |
| Sensitivity to hot or cold | If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, even for a short time after the stimulus is removed, it could be a sign of infection. |
| Swollen gums | The gums around the infected tooth may be swollen, red, and tender. |
| Pimple on the gums | A small, pus-filled pimple on the gums, called a parulis, can also be a sign of infection. |
| Chipped or cracked tooth | If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, the nerves inside the tooth can become irritated or infected, so you may need a root canal. |
| Discoloured tooth | A tooth that is infected or dead may become discoloured, appearing grey or brown. |
| Loose tooth | An infected tooth may become loose in its socket. |
Why Is it Important to Get a Root Canal as Soon as Possible?
A timely root canal treatment can prevent the spread of infection, save your natural tooth, and maintain your overall oral health. If you delay treatment, you may have further complications, and you may end up needing more extensive dental procedures.
How Much Does a Root Canal in Perth Cost?
The average cost of a root canal in Perth ranges from $1,400 to $3,000, but the cost can vary depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting Cost
- The severity of the infection: More complex cases requiring additional procedures might cost more.
- Number of roots in the tooth: Molars with more roots tend to be pricier than front teeth.
- Dentist’s experience and location: Renowned dentists or dental practices in wealthy areas may charge more.
- X-rays and other diagnostic tests: Additional imaging can add to the overall cost.
- Crowns: If the tooth requires a dental crown for structural support after the root canal, add $1,000 to $3,000.
* Prices are only provided as a general guide and are not intended to be binding. Your dentist needs to conduct an accurate assessment of your specific medical needs for any dental procedure before they provide you with a cost estimate.
How to Find the Right Dentist in Perth for Endodontic Treatment
When selecting a dentist or endodontist for root canal therapy, you’ll need to consider your their experience, qualifications, and patient reviews. Be sure to choose a skilled and reliable professional for this specialised dental treatment.
Possibly, the most important aspect is experience. Experience plays a significant role in making sure the root canal procedure is successful. An experienced dentist is proficient in performing the procedure and can handle any complexities that may arise during the root canal treatment.
Booking an Appointment for Root Canal Therapy
If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal, promptly book an appointment with Ageless Smiles Dental Centre. Early intervention can save the natural tooth and prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures.
Why Should You Save the Tooth with a Root Canal?
If you preserve the natural tooth with root canal therapy Belmont, you can maintain your natural bite, prevent bone loss, and save the aesthetics of the smile. Saving the natural tooth also eliminates the need for more expensive and invasive treatments such as dental implants.
What Is the Procedure for a Root Canal Treatment in Perth?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the root canal procedure in Perth.
Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis
- Visit your dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) for an examination and X-rays.
- Discuss your symptoms and concerns.
- Your dentist confirms if a root canal is necessary.
Step 2: Numbing and Preparation
- Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth.
- Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to access the tooth pulp.
Step 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Damaged pulp and infected tissue are carefully removed.
- Your dentist cleans and disinfects your root canals to eliminate bacteria.
Step 4: Filling and Sealing
- Root canals are filled with a special biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
- Your dentist seals the opening in the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Step 5: Recovery and Follow-up
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity after treatment is normal.
- Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage discomfort.
- Follow your dentist's instructions for proper care and healing.
- You will likely have a follow-up examination to ensure your healing is on track.
There are several myths surrounding root canal therapy, such as it being a painful procedure or causing illness. In reality, root canal treatments are done to relieve pain and save the natural tooth. Root canals are routine and safe dental procedures.
For any root canal or dental care queries, contact our experienced team at Ageless Smiles Dental Centre at (08) 9478 3598 or book an appointment today.
Root Canal in Perth FAQs
How is the area numbed during a root canal?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the tooth before performing a root canal. This ensures that the procedure is as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
How painful is a root canal?
You shouldn’t feel any pain thanks to local anaesthesia during the procedure. It might feel similar to getting a filling. After the procedure, you may feel mild discomfort or slight pain for a few days, but that is normal. Over-the-counter pain meds can usually manage this. Remember, everyone experiences pain differently. If you have concerns, talk to your dentist!
How long do root canals last?
Root canals can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, or even a lifetime with proper care. Factors affecting longevity include initial infection severity, procedure quality, and oral hygiene practices.
How long does the root canal procedure take?
In general, a root canal procedure will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to complete. The time taken will depend on how bad your infection is, and which tooth or teeth are affected. For example, simple cases such as a single-rooted tooth with minimal infection might take 30 to 60 minutes. However, more complex cases like teeth with multiple roots or severe infections can require 90 minutes to 2 hours, and may need additional appointments.
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth.
Reviews
Benji Keenan
“Root Canal Perth”Rooshab and the team at Ageless Smile Dentistry in Belmont provide Excellent quality dentistry work. Helpful, professional teeth cleaning/maintenance advice every visit, to assure you are doing the most to keep your teeth and gums fresh and healthy. Always friendly service.
Erwin Schick
“Root Canal Perth”I have been a Patient with this clinic for more than 25 years, and Armando has been looking after my Teeth for as long as I can remember. Your treatment is always very personal, friendly, and most professional. There is always time to explain your treatment, and receive advice for the future. All this starts with the ladies at the Reception, and the genuine friendly Welcome. I’ll probably be a Patient there until my last Tooth is saying bye bye!
Margaret Talma
“Root Canal Perth”Always had great service from all the team, especially Armando for over 20 years. Have been recommending to all for all this period of time abdcwill continue to do so. One very happy patient.
Kieren Bell
“Root Canal Perth”Great service and care by Dr Malde. Considering all the work undertaken over the last 3 years, it’s been a great experience compared to my previous dentists. Can not recommend highly enough!
Dani Vaughan
“Root Canal Perth”Best and most thorough dentist I’ve been to. Takes his time to examine and does what’s best for the patient!