Atlas Smiles Dental, Dentist in Wheelers Hill

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The cost of root canal therapy will depend on several factors, including how many canals need to be filled and if you require a crown. Based on data from the Australian Dental Association, the average cost of a root canal without a crown in Australia ranges between $2,000 and $3,400. In Australia, a molar root canal with three canals can cost up to $2,760 without a crown and up to $4,760 with a crown. 

Root canal infections typically arise due to the invasion of bacteria into the inner chamber of the tooth, known as the pulp. Several factors can contribute to the development of these infections:  

Indications of Root Canal Infections:

• Persistent Tooth Pain:
  • Continuous or severe pain in a tooth, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
• Prolonged Tooth Sensitivity:
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed.
• Swelling in the Gums:
  • Inflammation or swelling in the gums around a specific tooth.
• Tooth Decay:
  • Advanced decay that has reached the pulp, leading to infection or inflammation.
• Irreversible Pulpitis:
  • Inflammation of the pulp that is irreversible and causes severe pain.
• Infection in Tooth Pulp:
  • Bacterial infection in the pulp chamber, often causing pain and discomfort.
• Trauma to the Tooth:
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth, resulting in damage to the pulp.
• Cracked or Fractured Tooth:
  • Cracks or fractures that expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection.
• Abscess or Pimple on Gums:
  • Formation of a pus-filled pocket (abscess) or a pimple on the gums near a tooth.
• Darkening or Discoloration of Tooth:
  • Changes in the color of a tooth, indicating potential internal issues.
• Dental Emergency:
  • Emergency situations with acute pain, swelling, or infection.

If you are experiencing any of these indications, it is essential to consult with our dentist in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne promptly to assess the need for root canal treatment. Early intervention can alleviate pain, prevent complications, and preserve the natural tooth.

A root canal is usually a simple procedure with little or no discomfort. It involves one to three visits to a dentist.

Here is a step-by-step guide to how the procedure saves your tooth:

1. Our dentist makes an opening through the top of the tooth down to the pulp chamber.
2. The injured or dead pulp is taken out and the root canals are irrigated and medicated.
3. A temporary filling is placed in the opening at the top of the tooth in order to protect it between procedures. Alternatively, the tooth may be left open to drain for a couple of days.
4. The temporary filling gets removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned then filled.
5. A crown is placed over the tooth. Our dentist performing the treatment will advise you to complete this last step.
6. Most patients report that having a root canal treatment today is as unremarkable as getting a filling.

It’s important to visit a dentist that provides a high-quality and reliable solution for your dental treatment. Poorly trained dentists may miss a canal that is causing you problems or a crack in the root of your tooth. This leaves you exposed to the reintroduction of bacteria in that area and can result in the need for a repeated root canal. By visiting our dentist, you are assured quality care on root canal therapy.

Generally, health insurance extras in Australia do not cover root canal therapy. To have root canal therapy covered, you will need to have a high level of extras cover. Most extras cover policies include general dental treatments like check-ups, but do not include major dental procedures, like root canal treatments. 

Endodontistry is a specialisation in root canal treatment; however, our dentists are capable of performing this treatment. Our dentist can assist you with root canal, and only patients with rare and special circumstances are referred to a specialist.

If you need a root canal treatment, you will probably experience the symptoms of pulp tissue damage. Individuals may experience symptoms differently, but these are the most common symptoms of an injured or damaged pulp:

• Pain when biting down and chewing
• Oversensitivity of teeth with hot or cold food or beverages
• Facial swelling

These symptoms can also be a sign of other oral health issues, so they may not always indicate that you require root canal treatment. It is recommended that you consult our dentist if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. 

Root canals usually involve 1-3 visits to the dentist, and the process usually takes 30-90 minutes. The procedure typically takes longer than a standard filling. 

The recovery period after root canal treatment is minimal, and you should be feeling completely back to normal after just a few days. Slight inflammation is normal and may cause discomfort for a couple of days or so. This can be treated with an over-the-counter painkiller, as well as a warm saltwater rinse. 

Root canal treatment is virtually painless due to advanced techniques and effective anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience during the procedure. 

Many patients want to know what is the success rate of a root canal. Root canals generally have a success rate ranging from 85% to over 95%. Root canal therapy generally fails because of the presence of bacteria. There are five common reasons why root canal treatment fails, but luckily, they are preventable. Root canals often fail due to:

• Missed canals
• Unfinished treatment of canals
• Leftover tissue
• Fracture
• Bacterial leakage after treatment

The best way to prevent root canal failure is to visit an experienced dentist that has the proper equipment and training. Our dentists that are quality assured, many of whom may be able to perform more complex or specialised endodontic treatments.

There are several indications of a root canal treatment, including:

• Severe lingering tooth pain that worsens with additional pressure on the tooth
• Unfinished treatment of canals
• Facial swelling or swelling surrounding the affected area
• Small bumps on the gum
• Darkening of the tooth
• Discharge from the area surrounding the affected tooth

Root canal therapy stops the infection from spreading and alleviates the pain caused by the infected tooth pulp. If left untreated, bacteria from the infection can travel via the roots of the tooth directly to the tissues surrounding the area - typically the gums and jaw. This can result in a painful abscess to occur. In rare cases, inflammation of the whole body can occur, which increases the risk of dangerous conditions like heart disease or a brain abscess. If you leave a root canal untreated, you can also lose the tooth. Losing a tooth can lead to an increased risk of other problems, such as gum disease, further tooth loss, and decay. If left untreated, the natural tooth continues to decay and will only deteriorate further. 

An untreated infection in your tooth is a ticking time bomb. The infection can spread from the roots of the tooth to vulnerable tissues in the body. To combat this, your smile.com.au dentist may prescribe antibiotics. It is necessary to get a root canal to stop the infection from worsening and prevent tooth loss.

After root canal therapy, it is also necessary to ensure the tooth is filled and sealed. This protects the tooth after the dead tissue has been removed. After treatment, the tooth will be brittle and more prone to fracturing, so a crown is necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the tooth.

There are several sedation methods available for patients having root canal therapy, including nitrous oxide (happy gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Very rarely will a patient be put to sleep via general anaesthetic. 

Root canal treatment is a simple and painless procedure that offers many benefits, including:

• Relief of pain and discomfort
• Prevention of spread of infection
• A healthy restored tooth that can last a lifetime
• No interruption or changes to other teeth
• Normal biting and chewing sensation
• You get to keep your natural smile!

Returned infection is a possible, although uncommon side effect of root canal treatment. This can be the result of incorrectly cleaned root canals or an undetected crack in the root of a tooth. Returned infection can be aided with a simple retreatment. If you're concerned about the side effects of root canal treatment, you should seek advice from our dentist. 

On average, over 95% of root canal treatments are completed successfully. Occasionally, a case may require a repeated treatment if there are diseased canal offshoots that have initially gone undetected, or if the canal filing instrument fractures, but this is very rare. Returning pain is a symptom of a root canal that has not been completed correctly. If you're concerned about the risks of root canal treatment you should seek advice from our dentist. 

While there are alternatives, such as extraction, it's important to note that root canal treatment is often the most effective way to address dental issues and preserve your natural tooth. 

Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medicines may help to reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. Seek advice from our dentist and follow the recommended dosage. 

After your root canal treatment it's best to wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. To avoid damaging the treated tooth, try not to chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by our dentist. 

It's always best to seek advice from your smile.com.au dentist, but soft, cold foods are generally recommended. Soft, cold foods include fruits like bananas, mangos, pears, peaches and fruit smoothies, yoghurt, soup and eggs.

Unless your dentist advises otherwise, it's generally best to stay away from hard, crunchy, or chewy foods as this may damage your treated tooth or cause pain. Spicy or hot food may increase sensitivity in the treated tooth, and consuming alcohol may cause bleeding in the surrounding area. Eating on the opposite side of the area treated may also help to avoid discomfort.

Drinking hot coffee immediately after a root canal treatment may increase sensitivity and cause discomfort in the treated tooth, so it's best to avoid hot coffee until the numbness in your mouth wears off. If you drink fluids immediately after your treatment it's best to avoid hot coffee at least until the feeling in your mouth has returned. 

After a root canal treatment, the anaesthetic will wear off and you may experience a throbbing pain, which may last a day or two. Antibiotics and other pain medicines like ibuprofen can assist. Antibiotics can also help to suppress the painful symptoms of nerve damage. Your dentist can recommend an antibiotic to assist you after your root canal treatment. 

You may brush and floss the treated tooth gently but should not floss if a temporary filling was placed in the space between teeth.

While root canal infections can be challenging to deal with, there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk:

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash for added protection.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Schedule regular visits to your dentist for routine examinations and cleanings. Early detection of cavities or dental issues can prevent them from progressing into root canal infections.

Promptly Treat Dental Problems

If you experience tooth sensitivity, or pain, or notice any dental issues, seek dental care promptly. Timely treatment can prevent infections from worsening and potentially eliminate the need for a root canal.

Wear Protective Gear

When engaging in sports or activities that pose a risk of dental trauma, wear a mouthguard or appropriate protective gear to prevent tooth injuries.

Replace Faulty Dental Restorations

If you have damaged or deteriorated dental fillings or crowns, consult your dentist for a replacement. Ensuring proper dental restorations can prevent bacterial invasion and subsequent root canal infections.

Avoid Bad Oral Habits

Refrain from chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pens, as this can cause tooth damage and increase the risk of infections.

When undergoing root canal treatment, most people would expect to only deal with the dentist and the anesthesiologist. However, there are many more people that must be involved in order for the treatment to go smoothly and safely. Incomplete root canal treatment is a very common problem, and it can have higher chance that infected pulp will remain in the tooth and cause future problems for the patient.

Completing all Root Canal Treatment stages means that the dentist has more likely removed the infected pulp and restoring healthy tooth structure. This results in an improved quality of life for the patient and an increased likelihood of success when it comes to future dental treatments. This ensures that the patient receives the best possible care and maximizes the chances of a successful outcome. 

Complete Stage 1 (Preparation)

The first step in any root canal treatment is preparation. This includes the removal of any infected or discolored tissue and cleaning of the surrounding area with an antiseptic solution. If there is evidence of infection, antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Complete Stage 2 (Operative Procedure)

During the operative procedure, the dentist will remove the affected tooth using a drill and surgical tool. The aim is to leave as many healthy teeth as possible behind while removing the infected section. The hole that has been drilled will then be filled using filling material to avoid any other infection from affecting the teeth as well as restore the structural and functional integrity of the tooth.

Complete Stage 3 (Post-operative Care)

After surgery, your dentist will usually prescribe pain relief medication. You should visit them regularly for check-ups and dental cleanings to ensure that there are no complications arising from your treatment.

Possible risks associated with not completing each stage of root canal treatment

There are several possible risks associated with not completing all RCT stages during root canal treatment. These risks can occur when the dental restoration is not appropriately fitted and sealed, and when the restoration is not properly maintained, the tooth can become infected. In some cases, incomplete root canal treatment may also lead to further damage to the tooth and surrounding structures.

A root canal is one of the most common dental treatment people go through, and it’s generally considered a safe procedure. However, there are some rare cases where patients fail to complete the treatment, and this can lead to serious problems. Some of the potential consequences of not completing a root canal treatment.

Infection

The tooth can become infected if you don’t complete the root canal that you started. Infection can lead to tooth loss, and in some cases, it can even be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you complete your root canal treatment to avoid such.
Also, while the treatment is ongoing, keep the area clean to protect it from infection. This includes cleaning the inside of your mouth and the surrounding area where the tooth is located. If plaque or bacteria build up on your teeth, it will be easier for them to spread to the root canal site.

Bone Loss

You may also experience bone loss due to an incomplete root canal procedure. This can happen because the process exposes the nerves and surrounding bone. The exposed bone cells may then start to break down, which could lead to a decrease in bone density. An additional procedure may be necessary to restore the bone structure.

Nerve Damage

The nerve may also be injured. This can cause severe pain in the tooth and other parts of your body. In some cases, nerve damage may lead to limited or no movement in the tooth or its surrounding muscles. If left untreated, nerve damage can result in permanent damage to the tooth and even the inability to speak or eat properly.

In severe cases, it can lead to numbness in the arm or hand, impaired movement, and even a stroke.

Loss of Tooth Structure

If you have not completed the root canal treatment that you started, your dentist may need to remove more of your tooth than they would if you had completed the treatment. This is because some of the dental pulp (the inner part of the tooth) may have been lost due to a lack of care.