Root Canal - Dentist service Highgate Hill and West End

A Root Canal treatment involves having the nerve (we call it the pulp) of a damaged, decayed, or infected tooth removed, so that the a tooth can be repaired and retained rather than being extracted.

Following the removal of the pulp, which contains residual infection, connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and then sealed.

An experienced team member at Highgate Hill Dental Centre will carry out the root canal treatment over a number of appointments to ensure the best quality treatment is provided for our patients.

Book Online

Call (07) 3844 6071

Send Email Enquiry

Root Canal Treatment | When are they needed?

Bacteria are present and can increase in number when there is damage to a tooth’s pulp. This can lead to an abscess at the root of the tooth or an infection.

Root Canals are considered one of the best ways to save a damaged or infected tooth. Being able to keep an existing tooth can prevent problems which may arise down the track if a tooth is lost or not replaced with an artificial one.

Some common signs that a root canal may be needed:

Throbbing, long lasting or spontaneous tooth ache
Abscess – a pocket of pus which has formed in the mouth and is often caused by bacterial infection
A darkened or discoloured tooth
Swollen gums, face or neck

It is always best to consult your dentist as an accurate diagnosis will lead to a good treatment outcome.

What to expect during a root canal treatment

Root canal treatments require a few visits to the dentist to complete the course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the problem, two or three appointments are usually required.

Here’s an example of what is normally involved:

Visit 1: To get the patient out of pain, the pulp or infection in the tooth, which may contain residual nerves and blood vessels, is removed under local anaesthetic. The canals are cleaned out and sterilized with specialized dental irrigants. An antibiotic and corticosteroid ointment is applied directly to the inside of the tooth to soothe discomfort and to destroy bacteria in the canal. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling while the dressing does it’s job.

Visit 2: The canals are then cleaned and prepared to the root tip. The aim of the treatment is to eliminate all bacteria in the canals. Another antibiotic treatment may be applied if required.

Visit 3: The canals are sealed with a plastic material called gutta percha – this is done to prevent bacteria from re-entering the area. A filling or crown is then used to build the tooth back up, prevent fracture, restore function and to seal the tooth.

If you think that you may need a root canal treatment, talk to us today.

6 Reasons to Choose Highgate Hill Dental

FAMILY-ORIENTED

We are a welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly practice. We have patients that span multiple generations and our professional team enjoy caring and creating a fun environment for smiles young and old.

POSITIVE DENTAL EXPERIENCES

We go above and beyond to create positive dental experiences, working as a team with our patients and empowering you to take control of your oral health.

CONVENIENT LOCATION

Our suburban clinic is conveniently located within walking distance to Brisbane’s CBD. There is onsite, as well as street parking available. Our practice is also close to public transport and schools.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Our dentists and dental assistants speak a wide variety of languages and can cater to many different cultural requirements.

'BIG BLUE HOUSE'

For your comfort, our team memebrs work together as a family to create a ‘homely’ vibe. Our practice is set up as a house and has been a fixture of the Highgate Hill and West End area since 1957.

COMMUNITY FOCUSED

Our community is important to us. We try to play our role for the environment using digital records to minimise paper, as well as implementing solar and recycling programs. We also display artwork that our young patients create for us around the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have treatment options under sedation, general anaesthetic, gas?

We understand that some procedures we do can be quite daunting and we try in every way to explain the process and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities for sedation, general anaesthetic or nitrous oxide available, but we can discuss your options with you, and should you require it, refer you to someone who can provide these services.

Are root canal treatments painful?

Root canal treatments are performed under local anaesthetic so that the affected tooth is numb. Most people report experiencing very little discomfort during the procedure and are able to manage any post-procedure aches with over the counter medication. It is important to remember that a root canal treatment is designed to get you out of pain. Patients often feel incredibly relieved after the treatment as they are finally pain free and able to get back to their daily routine.

Why is it recommended that I have my root filled tooth crowned?

Following root canal treatment, it is normal for a tooth to become quite brittle, making it prone to fractures. Crowning a tooth creates a protective ‘helmet’ over the top of it, reducing the chance of breakages and aiding in the functionality of the tooth. Whilst we do usually recommend crowning root filled teeth, it is just one option and there are alternatives available for different circumstances. In each case, our primary goal is to keep your teeth functioning well for as long as possible. You can discuss with your dentist what is the most suitable option for you.

Our Dental Blog

How to Cope with Dental Anxiety

We know that going to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite activity, but for some it can be a great source of fear and anxiety. Dental anxiety is incredibly common and is estimated to affect more than 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 10 children. How dental anxiety manifests can be different from person to…

electric and manual toothbrushes with boxing gloves

The Toothbrush Showdown – Electric or Manual?

With an ever-expanding range of toothbrushes available at supermarkets and specialty stores it is often difficult to figure out which brush is right for you. There are a multitude of different kinds of manual and electric toothbrushes on the market today, all with different features and varying price points. To make your next toothbrush purchase…

Where did the Tooth Fairy come from?

Most children these days are aware of the tooth fairy, if not only for the simple fact that a lost tooth equals a free coin or two. What is little known, though, is the story of how the legend of the tooth fairy came to be. Across Australia (especially in West End and Highgate Hill),…

Little girl pointing to a dental x-ray photo on a computer screen

Why do I need dental x-rays?

Have you ever had x-rays at the dentist and wondered what on earth they were actually for? Well, we are going to demystify them! There are many different reasons why your dentist may suggest taking x-rays, however not all of them are clear at the time. We hope that after reading this, you’ll be x-ray…

'mind the gap' written on the edge of a train station

Do you mind the gap? Treatment options for missing teeth

Missing teeth is a cause of concern and distress for many people throughout their life. Not only do missing teeth have an impact on the appearance of one’s smile, they can also result in significant functional problems. Regardless of the way in which the tooth was lost, it can affect your speech, ability to chew,…

Man pointing to an image of a broken tooth

Don’t let the daily grind of bruxism wear you down!

Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and/or clenching your teeth together. Clenching refers to when your teeth are touching each other in one position, whereas grinding is sliding the teeth over each other via side to side or front to back movements. In normal circumstances, your upper and lower teeth would only be touching…