Root Canal Treatment
Treatment to help save a tooth that’s been damaged by deep decay, infection or trauma. A root canal removes the infected or damaged nerve from inside the tooth, cleans it and seals it, so you can keep your natural tooth where possible. Outcomes vary from person to person, and your dentist talks you through the treatment risks first.
Where it can be saved
Then a crown to protect it
Across all four regions
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes the infected or damaged nerve from inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects and seals the space.
It can help settle pain from an infected tooth and lets you keep your natural tooth for chewing and speaking. Root canal treatment is also called root canal therapy or a root filling.
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Enamel
The hard outer layer you can see.
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Dentine
The layer underneath, which supports the enamel.
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Pulp and root canals
The nerve and blood supply in the centre of the tooth. This is where root canal treatment works.
Signs you might need a root canal
An infected or damaged nerve can’t heal on its own. If you notice any of these, book in so your dentist can check the tooth.
Pain that lingers
A toothache that doesn’t go away, or throbs when you bite or lie down.
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Sensitivity that stays after the hot or cold food or drink is gone.
Swelling
Swelling or tenderness in the gum, face or jaw near the tooth.
A darkened tooth
A tooth that has turned grey or darker than the teeth around it.
A pimple on the gum
A small bump on the gum near the tooth, which can be a sign of infection.
What causes it?
Deep decay
Decay that has reached the nerve in the centre of the tooth.
A crack or chip
Damage from trauma that lets bacteria reach the nerve.
Repeated treatment
A tooth that has had several fillings or treatments over time.
Infection or abscess
Infection inside the tooth, which may first show as pain or swelling.
In pain now? Call before 10am for a same-day emergency appointment.
What to expect during a root canal
Root canal treatment is usually done over two visits, followed by a crown to protect the tooth.
- 1
Examination and X-rays
Your dentist checks the tooth and takes X-rays to see the root canals and any infection.
- 2
Local anaesthetic
The tooth is numbed so you’re comfortable during treatment.
- 3
Cleaning and dressing
The nerve is removed, the canals are cleaned, and a medicated dressing is placed inside the tooth under a temporary filling.
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Checking the tooth
Your dentist checks that the infection has settled and the inside of the tooth is looking healthy.
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Sealing the canals
The canals are filled and sealed to help prevent reinfection.
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Protecting the tooth
A crown is fitted over the tooth to strengthen it and help stop it cracking. About dental crowns →
Does a root canal hurt?
We use local anaesthetic, and most people say it feels similar to having a filling. Your dentist checks you’re comfortable throughout, and you can ask to stop for a break at any time.
Local anaesthetic for your comfort
Usually two visits
A crown to protect the tooth
Same-day emergency appointments
Payment plans available
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of root canal treatment depends mostly on which tooth it is and how many canals it has. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your consult, before any treatment starts.
- Which tooth it isFront teeth have fewer canals than back teeth, so they’re usually quicker to treat.
- Number of visitsMost root canals take two visits, and some teeth need more.
- A crown afterwardsA crown is recommended to protect the tooth, and is quoted as part of your plan. Dental crowns →
- Your health fund coverWhat you pay depends on your fund and your level of extras cover.
Book a consult for a quote
Your dentist checks the tooth, explains your options and gives you a written quote for the root canal and crown, so you know the cost before you decide.
Health fundsRoot canal treatment is often claimable under extras cover. How much you get back depends on your fund and cover.
Payment plansSpread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. See payment plans →
Root canal treatment near you
Our dentists provide root canal treatment at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast
Root canal treatment at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah.Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast →
Brisbane
Root canal treatment at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.Avenue Dental Brisbane →
Melbourne
Root canal treatment at Brunswick.Avenue Dental Melbourne →
Adelaide
Root canal treatment at Fulham Gardens.Avenue Dental Adelaide →
Our General Dentistry Services Include
Root canal vs extraction
If a tooth is infected, the two main options are to treat it with a root canal or to remove it. Both have pros and cons, and your dentist talks you through what suits your tooth.
| Root canal | Extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | The nerve is removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed, then protected with a crown. | The tooth is taken out, usually in one appointment. |
| Your natural tooth | You keep your own tooth and root. | The tooth is removed, leaving a gap. |
| Appointments | Usually two visits, plus appointments for the crown. | Usually one visit, plus more if you replace the tooth. |
| Afterwards | The tooth needs a crown to protect it, as it can become brittle. | Replacing the tooth can help stop nearby teeth moving and keep your bite even. |
| Things to consider | Occasionally the tooth needs further treatment or removal later. | An implant, bridge or denture is extra treatment and cost. |
| May suit when | There’s enough healthy tooth left to restore. | The tooth is too damaged to save, or you’d rather not keep it. |
If the tooth is removed
There are a few ways to replace a missing tooth. Your dentist explains which options suit you.
Dental implant
A replacement tooth fixed to a post placed in the jaw. It doesn’t rely on the teeth next to it.
Dental implants →
Dental bridge
A fixed replacement tooth held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap.
Dental bridges →
Denture
A removable replacement for one or more missing teeth.
Dentures →
Why a crown is recommended afterwards
Without its blood supply, a tooth can become brittle.
Once the nerve and blood supply are removed, the tooth can dry out and become more likely to crack or break. That’s why we always recommend a crown alongside root canal treatment.
Without a crown, the tooth may crack below the gumline. If that happens, it often can’t be repaired and may need to be removed. Learn about dental crowns →
Strengthens the tooth
Covers and supports the whole visible tooth.
Lowers the risk of cracking
Helps protect a brittle tooth when you bite and chew.
Restores shape and bite
Shaped and shade-matched to suit your smile.
*Conditions apply. View warranty terms.
Every crown is covered by our 5-Year Warranty*
Recovery after a root canal
Recovery is different for everyone. Here’s what’s normal and when to call us.
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The first few days
The tooth may feel tender, especially when you bite. Your dentist can suggest pain relief that suits you.
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Eating
Wait until the numbness wears off before eating. Until your crown is fitted, chew on the other side and avoid hard or sticky food.
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Work and your day
Many people go back to work or their usual day after their appointment.
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Your crown
Book your crown as your dentist advises, as the tooth is more likely to crack until it’s protected.
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When to call us
Call us if you have swelling, pain that gets worse, or your temporary filling comes out. Emergency appointments →
Root canal risks
Root canal treatment is well established, and many patients find their pain settles afterwards. Results vary and no outcome can be promised.
Each tooth is assessed individually, and your dentist explains the risks for your tooth before treatment. Read about treatment risks.
Possible risks include:
- Infection that continues or comes back
- The tooth becoming more brittle over time
- Occasionally, further treatment or removal of the tooth
Success depends on things like the position of the tooth, how far the infection has spread and your individual circumstances.
Why Might You Need A Root Canal?
A root canal is usually needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged, and you want to save the tooth rather than have it removed. A few things can lead to that:
- Deep decay: When decay reaches the nerve inside the tooth, it can become infected.
- A crack or chip: Trauma to a tooth — a knock, a fall, or biting something hard — can expose or damage the nerve.
- Repeated work on the same tooth: A tooth that’s had a lot of treatment over the years can eventually become inflamed or infected.
- Infection or an abscess: Sometimes the first sign is pain, swelling, or an abscess, which means the nerve is already affected.
When the nerve is infected or dying, the tooth won’t heal on its own. A root canal is the treatment that lets you keep the tooth instead of losing it to an extraction — which is almost always better, since nothing replaces a natural tooth quite like the real thing.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Root canal FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your appointment.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes the infected or damaged nerve (pulp) from inside a tooth. Your dentist then cleans, disinfects and seals the inside of the tooth, which lets you keep your natural tooth. A crown is then recommended to protect it.
Does a root canal hurt?
Your dentist uses local anaesthetic to numb the tooth, and most people say it feels similar to having a filling. The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards, especially when you bite. Many people find the treatment eases the pain from the infected tooth.
How long does a root canal take?
Each appointment usually takes about an hour, depending on the tooth and how many canals it has. Front teeth are usually quicker to treat than molars, which have more canals.
How many visits will I need for a root canal?
Most root canals take two visits. At the first, your dentist removes the nerve, cleans the canals and places a medicated dressing. At the second, once the infection has settled and the inside of the tooth is looking healthy, the canals are sealed. A crown is then fitted to protect the tooth.
How much does a root canal cost in Australia?
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth it is, how many canals it has, how many visits you need and whether you need a crown afterwards, which is recommended. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your consult, before any treatment starts.
Is a root canal covered by health insurance?
Root canal treatment is often claimable under extras cover. How much you get back depends on your health fund and your level of cover, so it’s worth checking with your fund before your appointment.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Signs can include a toothache that lingers, sensitivity to hot or cold that stays after the food or drink is gone, swelling near the tooth, a tooth that has turned darker, or a pimple on the gum. Sometimes there are no signs, and your dentist finds the problem on an X-ray. Your dentist can tell you if a root canal is needed after examining the tooth.
What causes a tooth to need a root canal?
A root canal is usually needed when the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected or damaged. Common causes are deep decay, a crack or chip from trauma, repeated treatment on the same tooth, or an infection or abscess.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Yes, we always recommend a crown after a root canal. Once the nerve and blood supply are removed, the tooth can become brittle and more likely to crack. A crown covers and strengthens the tooth. Without one, the tooth may crack below the gumline, and it may then need to be removed. Learn about dental crowns.
How long does a root canal last?
With a crown and good care, a root-canal-treated tooth can last many years. How long it lasts depends on the tooth, how much healthy tooth is left, your bite and how well you look after your teeth. Your dentist checks the tooth at your regular appointments.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Many people go back to work or their usual day after their appointment. Your mouth may stay numb for a few hours, so wait until the numbness wears off before eating.
Is it normal to have pain after a root canal?
Some tenderness for a few days can be normal, especially when you bite. Your dentist can suggest pain relief that suits you. If the pain gets worse, you have swelling, or your temporary filling comes out, call us so your dentist can check the tooth.
Can a root canal tooth hurt years later?
Occasionally, yes. A treated tooth can become reinfected or crack over time, which is one reason a crown is recommended. If a tooth that’s had a root canal starts to hurt, call us so your dentist can check it.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
An infected nerve can’t heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread, cause an abscess and lead to more pain or swelling. The tooth may then need to be removed. Your dentist talks you through your options, including removing the tooth.
Is it better to have a root canal or remove the tooth?
It depends on your tooth. A root canal lets you keep your natural tooth, and a crown is then needed to protect it. Removing the tooth is usually done in one visit, but you may want to replace it with an implant, bridge or denture. Your dentist explains the pros and cons of each for your situation.
Are root canals bad for you?
Root canal treatment is a well-established treatment used to save infected teeth. Like any treatment, it carries risks, such as infection that comes back or the tooth becoming brittle. Your dentist explains the risks for your tooth before treatment. Read about treatment risks.
How can I avoid needing a root canal?
Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and keeping your regular check-ups help your dentist spot and treat decay early, while it’s small. Wearing a mouthguard for contact sport can also help protect your teeth from damage.
