Been told you need a root canal in Geelong? Here is what treatment involves, why it saves your tooth and why it is far more comfortable than its reputation.
Root canal treatment saves a tooth that is badly decayed or infected inside. Rather than pulling the tooth out, we clean out the infected pulp, disinfect the space and seal it, so the tooth stays put and keeps doing its job. If you have been told you need a root canal in Geelong, here is what really happens and why it is not the ordeal people expect.
Most of the worry around root canals comes from old stories, not modern dentistry. With today’s anaesthetic and techniques, the appointment usually feels a lot like having a filling.
Why a tooth needs a root canal
Deep inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds the nerves and blood supply. When decay, a crack or an old knock lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed or infected. Left alone this can be painful and the infection can spread into the bone. A few common warning signs are worth knowing.
- Lingering pain after hot or cold food and drink
- A dull ache or throbbing that keeps you up at night
- Tenderness when you bite down
- A small pimple like bump on the gum near the tooth
- Swelling, or a tooth that is slowly darkening
Not every sore tooth needs a root canal. We take an x-ray and test the tooth to work out what is really going on before we recommend anything.
What happens during treatment
We numb the area first so you stay comfortable. Then we make a small opening in the tooth, remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the fine canals inside and seal them. Many teeth are finished in a single visit, though some need two. Because a treated tooth can become brittle over time, we often suggest a crown afterwards to protect it and help it last.
You should be comfortable during the procedure because the tooth is fully numbed. Mild tenderness for a day or two afterwards is normal and settles with simple pain relief.
Looking after the tooth afterwards
Once the numbness wears off, chew on the other side until any tenderness fades. Brush and floss as normal. Keep your follow up visit so we can fit the crown if one is planned and check the tooth is healing well. Results vary from person to person, but a well looked after root canal tooth can last many years.
Common questions
Does a root canal hurt?
The treatment itself should be comfortable because the tooth is fully numbed. Any soreness afterwards is usually mild and eases within a couple of days.
Is it better to just pull the tooth out?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better choice for your bite and the teeth around it. Taking a tooth out leaves a gap that often needs filling later with an implant or a bridge.
How much does a root canal cost in Geelong?
It depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has, so we give a written estimate after an exam. Health fund rebates and payment plans may apply.
How long will the tooth last?
With good care and a protective crown where we recommend one, many treated teeth last for years. We keep an eye on the tooth at your regular check ups.
If a tooth is aching or you have been told you need root canal treatment, call East Geelong Dental Practice on (03) 9111 3553 or book online and we will take a look. You can read more about root canal treatment and our wider general dental services.
Dr Sunny M Singh
Dr Sunny M Singh is the principal dentist at East Geelong Dental Practice and has spent 17 years caring for patients in private practices around Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Fellowship in Implantology from the University of Miami and is a certified Invisalign provider. His everyday work covers dental implants, smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry, root canals and Invisalign. He speaks English, Hindi and Punjabi. He writes these guides to help Geelong locals make calm, clear decisions about their teeth.
