Root Canal Therapy in Perth – keep your damaged or infected teeth for as long as possible with gentle, pain-free root canal therapy (endodontics) in the Perth CBD.

Root canal therapy (or endodontic treatment) is performed on teeth that have been badly broken down, irreversibly inflamed or infected. This treatment is considered a last resort to save a tooth so it doesnt have to be removed.

During the procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed, then the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Left untreated, these teeth would usually become badly infected or abscessed and must be removed.

Why consider an Endodontist?

When you are seen by an Endodontist for your root canal procedure, you can rest assured that they have the appropriate training to manage difficult treatments or retreatments of root canals. Studies have shown that endodontic treatment completed by endodontists have a higher success rate than when treated by a general dentist. This is true for both initial root canal therapy and retreatment of root canal therapy. Although the treatment cost may be higher, this is outweighed by the increased longevity.

A relatively painless procedure

Root canal therapy is commonly perceived as a painful procedure. But with more recent techniques and anaesthetics, it is relatively painless – much like having a filling done. Additionally, sedation and sleep dentistry options are available.

You may experience some post-operative discomfort for the first few days, particularly if your tooth was infected before the procedure. You will be given appropriate analgesics however, to relieve any discomfort.

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Understanding your root canal

Your root canal is a natural cavity within the centre of the tooth. The pulp is the soft area that sits within this cavity. The nerve also sits within here.

Anatomy of a tooth

There are three parts to a tooth:

  • Enamel – the harder outer coating of a tooth
  • Dentine – a softer material that supports the enamel
  • Pulp – in the centre of the tooth, made of soft tissue (also containing nerves and blood vessels)

The pulp extends to the end of the roots where it connects to the surrounding tissues. A tooth can survive without the pulp because it continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

A safe, effective alternative to extraction

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective alternative to tooth extraction. Most patients prefer to save their tooth as it will generally function better than an artificial tooth. As good as an artificial tooth can be, it will never be more than a substitute for a natural tooth. For a guide on root canal price, you can read our blog on what to expect.

Reasons for endodontic treatment

You may require endodontic treatment if your tooth pulp has become infected or inflamed. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as:

  • Dental decay
  • Fractured or cracked tooth
  • Trauma to the tooth (resulting in pulp injury)

Without treatment, you may experience pain or an abscess. Symptoms of pulpal infection or inflammation include dull, aching pain, prolonged pain after exposure to hot or cold, tenderness on biting, discolouration or swelling. However, often, patients experience no symptoms at all.

Frequently asked questions

What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (or endodontic work) is a treatment that can be used to save a tooth with an infected pulp. Your root canal dentist removes the nerve and the tooth pulp, eliminating the infection, then seals to best protect the tooth from future bacterial invasion. However, a tooth will never be completely free from decontamination.
When is my treatment considered successful?
We consider your root canal treatment successful if you can keep your tooth and be symptom-free over a five-year period. A tooth can get reinfected, however, if it has not been restored appropriately (such as having a well-sealed restoration like a dental crown), becomes decayed again, or if it fractures – as this is a pathway for bacteria to re-enter the root canal system.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Root canal therapy is not painful. Our endodontic therapist is extremely skilled in his treatment methods and prioritises patient comfort at all times. You will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area, as with any other dental treatment. In some cases, you may experience minor post-operative discomfort; however, this can be adequately managed with analgesic medication.
How long will it take for the pain to go away after root canal?
After your root canal procedure, you may feel a little discomfort or pain for a few days; however, your dentist will adequately manage these with analgesic medication to eliminate any discomfort.
What is the success rate of root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 90 to 95%. As with any surgical procedure though, complications can occur. Please note that a tooth that has already had root canal therapy and needs to be retreated has a lower success rate.
What are the complications of an untreated tooth pulp infection?
If you don’t treat your tooth pulp infection, several complications can occur. For example, the infection can spread and can cause a severe infection or endodontic abscess (a ‘blister’ of pus) which can erode the surrounding jawbone. Once this infection has occurred, we may then need to remove your tooth.
Are there any cosmetic issues with root canal treatment?
A healthy tooth has a normal, healthy pulp and is yellowish white. If we have removed your pulp, it may turn grey. If this has happened to your tooth or teeth, our dentist will suggest appropriate cosmetic options for you, such as tooth whitening, veneers or bonding to remedy any cosmetic concerns.