Root Canal Treatment

Saving Teeth with Gentle Care

When the inside of a tooth becomes infected or badly decayed, a root canal treatment may be needed to save it. At Sandgate Family Dental, we provide root canal care to relieve pain, stop infection, and help preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

In some situations removing the tooth may be the better option — see our guide comparing root canal versus extraction to weigh up the choice with your dentist.

Many patients are concerned about discomfort — read more about pain and comfort during root canal.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. Once cleaned, the space is filled and sealed to prevent further problems. This treatment helps save teeth that might otherwise need to be removed.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

You may need a root canal if you experience:

• Ongoing toothache or pain when chewing

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

• Swelling of the gums near a tooth

• Darkening or discolouration of a tooth

• A pimple-like bump on the gums

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, call our team for an assessment.

The Root Canal Process

• Examination and X-rays: We check the tooth to confirm if a root canal is required.

• Treatment: The infected tissue is removed, the tooth is carefully cleaned, and the root canals are sealed.

• Restoration: To protect the tooth long-term, a dental crown is often recommended after treatment.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Here is what the process typically involves:

1. Examination and X-rays: Your dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to confirm the extent of the infection or damage and plan the treatment.
2. Local anaesthetic: The area around the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before any treatment begins. You may feel mild pressure during the procedure, but should not feel sharp pain.
3. Removing the infected tissue: Once the tooth is numb, your dentist creates a small opening in the top of the tooth and carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside the root canals. The canals are then shaped and thoroughly cleaned.
4. Sealing the tooth: The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent re-infection.
5. Temporary or permanent restoration: A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth between appointments. A dental crown is often recommended after treatment to restore the tooth’s strength and function long-term.

The number of appointments needed varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some root canals can be completed in a single visit; others may require two or more appointments.

Recovery After Root Canal Treatment

Most patients recover well and can return to normal activities the same day or the following day. Some mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth is normal for a few days after the procedure and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed.

To support recovery:

• Avoid chewing on the treated side until your permanent restoration is in place
• Stick to softer foods for the first day or two if the area feels tender
• Continue brushing and flossing as normal, being gentle around the treated area
• Attend your follow-up appointment to have your permanent crown or filling placed

If you experience significant or worsening pain, swelling, or a return of symptoms after the first few days, contact our team so we can assess the area promptly.

Cost and Health Fund Cover for Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is generally claimable under the general dental or major dental component of most health fund extras policies. The amount you receive back depends on your level of cover, your annual limits, and your fund’s fee schedule. We recommend confirming your entitlements with your fund before your appointment — our team is happy to assist with this.

We process health fund claims on the spot with HICAPS, so you only pay the gap (if any) at the time of your visit. We are preferred providers for HCF, nib, CBHS and HIF. Your rebate depends on your individual policy, level of cover and annual limits. For more information, visit our root canal health fund cover page or our health funds overview.

Our team will provide a cost estimate before treatment begins and will discuss any changes with you.

Root Canal Treatment or Extraction — Which Is Right for You?

In most cases, saving the natural tooth through root canal treatment is the preferred approach. Natural teeth generally function better for chewing and help maintain the surrounding bone and alignment of neighbouring teeth over the long term.

However, there are situations where removing the tooth may be the more appropriate option — for example, if the tooth is severely fractured, if the bone support around the tooth has been significantly compromised, or if the tooth cannot be adequately restored after treatment.

Your dentist will assess your specific situation and explain the options clearly. See our detailed guide on root canal versus extraction to help you understand the considerations involved. If the tooth does need to come out, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dental implants are among the replacement options we can discuss at the same visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or movement. After the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness for a few days is normal and is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain relief. For more information, read our guide on pain and comfort during root canal treatment.

How many appointments will I need?

This depends on the complexity of the tooth and the extent of the infection. Some root canals are completed in one appointment; others require two visits — one to clean and seal the canals, and a second to place the final restoration. Your dentist will advise you at your assessment.

Is a crown always needed after a root canal?

A dental crown is often recommended after root canal treatment, particularly for back teeth that bear the load of chewing. Root canal treatment removes the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth, which can make the tooth more brittle over time. A crown helps protect the tooth and restore its full function. Your dentist will advise whether a crown is appropriate for your specific tooth.

Can I drive home after root canal treatment?

Yes. Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthetic, so you are fully awake and alert throughout. Most patients drive themselves home without any issue. The numbness in your mouth will wear off over the following few hours.

What happens if I don’t treat an infected tooth?

An untreated dental infection can worsen over time. The infection can spread to surrounding bone and tissue, and in some cases may become a more serious health concern. Early treatment is generally simpler and involves less extensive work. If you are experiencing symptoms such as ongoing toothache, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, we recommend booking an assessment promptly.

Is root canal treatment covered by health insurance?

Root canal treatment is generally claimable under the general or major dental benefit of most health fund extras policies. The rebate amount depends on your cover level and annual limits. We recommend checking your entitlements with your fund. Visit our root canal cover page for more detail on what most funds include.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

• Relieves pain caused by infection

• Stops infection from spreading

• Saves your natural tooth

• Restores normal function for chewing and speaking

Root canal treatment is generally claimable under the general or major dental component of most extras policies, though the amount you receive back depends on your level of cover. You can read more about root canal and health fund cover. Where a tooth cannot be saved by root canal treatment, tooth extractions may be the next step — we can discuss replacement options at the same visit.

Root Canal Treatment in Sandgate

Located at 12 Lagoon St, Sandgate, our team provides root canal treatments for patients across Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Deagon, Brighton, Taigum, Boondall, Bracken Ridge, Fitzgibbon and nearby suburbs.