What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Inside each tooth is a space containing dental pulp, which includes nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.

If the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed, infected or dies, bacteria can enter and multiply within the root canal system.

Root canal treatment involves accessing the inside of the tooth, removing the affected tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and then filling and sealing them.

The tooth is then restored so that it can continue to function.

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Why Might a Tooth Need Root Canal Treatment?

The dental pulp can become inflamed or infected for several reasons, including:

• Deep tooth decay
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• A large or failing filling
• Trauma to the tooth
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
• Infection associated with the root of the tooth

Sometimes a tooth requiring root canal treatment causes significant pain. In other cases, there may be relatively few symptoms and the problem is identified during examination or on a dental X-ray.

Symptoms of an Infected or Inflamed Tooth

Possible symptoms include:

• Persistent toothache
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• Tenderness around the tooth
• Swelling of the gum or face
• A pimple or draining area on the gum
• Tooth discolouration

However, symptoms vary and some infected teeth may cause little or no discomfort.

A dental examination and appropriate imaging are needed to determine the cause.

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Root Canal Treatment or Tooth Extraction?

When the inside of a tooth becomes irreversibly damaged or infected, the main options may include root canal treatment to retain the tooth or extraction of the tooth.

Whether a tooth is suitable for root canal treatment depends on several factors, including:

• How much healthy tooth structure remains
• Whether the tooth can be predictably restored
• The condition of the surrounding bone and gums
• Cracks or fractures
• Previous treatment
• The position and function of the tooth

Where retaining the natural tooth is reasonably achievable, root canal treatment may be considered.

If the tooth cannot be predictably restored or has a poor prognosis, extraction may be more appropriate.

If a tooth is removed, replacement options may include a dental implant, bridge or removable denture, depending on the individual situation.

Dental Implants in Penrith

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dentures

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What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Treatment begins with an assessment of the tooth and appropriate dental X-rays.

Local anaesthetic is normally used to keep the area comfortable during treatment.

An opening is made in the tooth to access the root canal system. The canals are then carefully cleaned, shaped and disinfected.

Medication may be placed inside the tooth between appointments when appropriate, and the tooth may be temporarily sealed.

Once the canals are sufficiently cleaned and the tooth is ready for completion, the root canals are filled and sealed.

The tooth then requires an appropriate final restoration.

The exact treatment process and number of appointments vary according to the tooth and clinical situation.

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Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Local anaesthetic is normally used during root canal treatment.

Many patients seek treatment because the tooth is already painful or infected. The purpose of treatment is to address the underlying problem rather than simply mask the symptoms.

Some tenderness or discomfort after treatment can occur, particularly when biting, and usually settles as the surrounding tissues recover.

The experience varies between patients and according to the condition of the tooth.

If significant pain or swelling develops or symptoms worsen following treatment, contact the dental practice for advice.

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Does a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Need a Crown?

A crown is recommended following many root canal treatments, particularly where the tooth has lost a significant amount of natural tooth structure or is subjected to substantial occlusal loading.

Root canal-treated teeth may already have been weakened by decay, fractures, large restorations or the amount of tooth structure lost before and during treatment.

A crown can help protect the remaining tooth structure and restore function.

However, not every root canal-treated tooth requires a crown.

The appropriate final restoration depends on factors including:

• How much healthy tooth structure remains
• The position of the tooth
• Existing restorations
• The patient’s bite
• Occlusal loading
• The risk of fracture

We assess these factors and recommend the appropriate restoration for the individual tooth.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

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How Successful Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment can allow many teeth to remain functional for a long period, but no dental treatment can be guaranteed.

The prognosis depends on factors including:

• The condition of the tooth before treatment
• The anatomy of the root canal system
• The extent of infection
• Cracks or fractures
• The quality of the final restoration
• Gum and bone support
• Oral hygiene and ongoing dental care

Occasionally, a tooth may remain symptomatic or develop further infection after treatment.

Further treatment, specialist endodontic assessment or extraction may then need to be considered.

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When Might Referral to an Endodontist Be Recommended?

An endodontist is a dentist who has undertaken specialist training in root canal treatment.

Some teeth have complex anatomy or other factors that can make treatment more difficult.

Referral may be recommended for selected cases, including complex root canal anatomy, previously treated teeth requiring retreatment, difficult-to-access canals, unusual findings or cases where specialist assessment would be beneficial.

Where appropriate, we will discuss referral with you.

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What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?

After root canal treatment, some temporary tenderness may occur.

Avoid placing excessive pressure on a tooth with a temporary restoration, particularly if a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost.

It is important to complete the recommended final restoration rather than leaving the tooth with a temporary filling for an extended period.

Continue normal oral hygiene and attend regular dental examinations.

If a crown or another definitive restoration is recommended, we will discuss the timing and treatment process with you.

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Can a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last for Many Years?

A successfully treated and appropriately restored tooth may remain functional for many years.

However, its longevity depends on the condition of the tooth, remaining tooth structure, occlusal loading, quality of the restoration, oral hygiene and other individual factors.

Root canal treatment does not make a tooth immune to future decay, gum disease, fracture or other dental problems.

Regular dental examinations remain important.

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Root Canal Treatment in Penrith

Best Western Dental Centre provides assessment and root canal treatment for patients from Cambridge Park, Penrith and surrounding Western Sydney communities.

If you have toothache, swelling, pain when biting or another dental concern, early assessment can help determine the cause and available treatment options.

Best Western Dental Centre
95 Oxford Street, Cambridge Park NSW 2747
Phone: 02 4731 4655

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

Why do I need root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth is irreversibly inflamed, infected or has died. Treatment aims to remove the affected tissue and infection from inside the root canal system so the tooth may be retained.

How many appointments does root canal treatment take?

The number of appointments varies according to the tooth and clinical situation. Some teeth may be treated in fewer visits, while others require multiple appointments for cleaning, medication and completion of treatment.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Local anaesthetic is normally used during treatment. Some tenderness can occur afterwards, particularly if the tissues surrounding the tooth were already inflamed or infected.

Do I always need a crown after root canal treatment?

No. A crown is recommended after many root canal treatments, but not every root canal-treated tooth requires one.

The decision depends particularly on how much healthy tooth structure remains and the occlusal loading on the tooth, together with factors such as the tooth’s position, existing restorations and fracture risk.

[INTERNAL LINK: Dental Crowns and Bridges]

Is it better to have root canal treatment or extract the tooth?

This depends on the individual tooth. Where a tooth can be predictably treated and restored, root canal treatment may allow the natural tooth to be retained. If the tooth has insufficient remaining structure, an unfavourable fracture or another poor prognostic factor, extraction may be more appropriate.

Can infection return after root canal treatment?

Yes. Although root canal treatment can successfully manage many infected teeth, further infection or symptoms can occasionally occur. Retreatment, specialist assessment or extraction may then be considered.

What happens if the tooth cannot be saved?

If extraction is required, replacement options may include a dental implant, bridge or removable denture. Whether the missing tooth needs replacement and which option is appropriate depend on the individual circumstances.

[INTERNAL LINK: Dental Implants in Penrith]

When should I contact the dentist urgently?

Contact us if you develop significant facial swelling, increasing pain, difficulty opening your mouth or other concerning symptoms. Severe swelling associated with difficulty breathing or swallowing requires urgent medical attention.