Root Canal Therapy in Joondalup

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure performed to save a tooth and relieve pain. It involves the removal of damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth’s root canals. By cleaning and sealing the tooth, this treatment prevents further decay and infection. The process restores the tooth’s function and appearance, which is crucial for overall oral health.

To know more about what root canal therapy is, here are some indications for this procedure:

• Severe tooth decay:
  When decay goes through the enamel and dentin and gets to the pulp at the center of the tooth, bacteria can infect the nerves and blood vessels inside. This can lead to inflammation, infection, and severe pain. This makes root canal therapy necessary to remove the decayed tissue and protect the tooth from further damage.
• Infections and abscesses:
  Bacteria can cause a pocket of pus called an abscess to form at the tooth’s root. This abscess can cause intense pain and swelling and spread the infection to surrounding tissues. Root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected pulp and drain the abscess, halting the spread of infection and relieving pain.
• Injury or trauma:
  Trauma to a tooth can cause the pulp to become damaged or die, which might not be immediately visible. Root canal therapy is essential to remove the damaged or dead pulp and seal the tooth. This is to prevent further decay and infection that could lead to tooth loss.
• Repeated dental procedures:
  Frequent treatments such as fillings or restorations on the same tooth can lead to inflammation or degradation of the pulp. Root canal therapy is often required to remove the inflamed pulp and restore the health of the original tooth, supporting its longevity.
• Cracks and chips:
  Teeth with cracks or chips that reach the pulp are vulnerable to bacterial infection. To save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading, root canal treatment is necessary. This procedure takes out the infected pulp and seals the tooth to protect it from further harm.
• Deep fillings:
  Fillings that are placed very close to the pulp can lead to pulpitis, an inflammation of the pulp. If this condition becomes irreversible, root canal therapy is required to remove the inflamed or infected pulp and save the tooth from extraction.

Understanding what root canal therapy is gives patients more options for addressing significant dental issues effectively to keep teeth functional and aesthetically pleasing. By opting for our root canal therapy in Joondalup, you’re taking a proactive step towards sustaining your oral health and comfort.

Root canal therapy costs can vary significantly depending on several factors. Prices range between $2,000 and $3,400 for a root canal treatment without a crown. If the root canal treatment involves a molar with three canals but without a crown, the cost can reach up to $2,760. However, root canal treatment in a molar with three canals, including a crown, can cost up to $4,760.

Here are several factors that can influence root canal therapy costs:

• Tooth location:
  Front teeth usually have fewer canals, and their treatment is usually less complicated than that of molars.
• Number of canals:
  More canals require more treatment time and skill, which can increase root canal therapy costs.
• The severity of the issue:
  Extensive damage or infection might need more comprehensive and prolonged treatment.
• Dentist’s experience:
  Dentists with more years of practice may charge more due to their broader knowledge and the quality of the care provided.
• Geographic location:
  Dental treatment costs can vary by region, reflecting the general cost of living and operation in the area.

Understanding these factors can help you anticipate potential costs and appreciate the value of professional dental care. We maintain transparent pricing tailored to your specific treatment needs, allowing you to plan for your oral health investment effectively.

While the treatment is generally successful, patients may experience some side effects after the procedure. Here’s a list of possible root canal therapy side effects:

• Mild pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing, especially if the tooth is still healing. This happens because the entire tooth and surrounding tissues are still sensitive after the procedure.
• After the procedure, the area may feel numb for a while because of the anaesthesia used. The numbness will wear off as the anaesthetic effect dissipates, usually within a few hours.
• Slight discolouration of the tooth may be observed after a few months, but this can be addressed with cosmetic dental treatments.
• Bruising or soreness in the jaw, gums, or lips, particularly if a dental dam was used. During the treatment, a dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth from the rest of the mouth. This might feel slightly uncomfortable or strange.
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide (trismus) due to jaw muscle strain or joint irritation during treatment. This happens because the mouth is kept open for an extended period during the procedure.
• Though not common, some people may have an allergic reaction to the substances used in the root canal treatment. This occurs when the patient has a sensitivity or allergy to the dental materials used.

If you experience severe or persistent root canal therapy side effects, it’s crucial to contact your dentist promptly. While complications are uncommon, addressing them early can help achieve the most favourable outcome for your oral health.

Root canal therapy is generally not painful, as the procedure is performed using techniques to manage pain and discomfort. At Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup, we prioritise patient comfort and offer various options to support a positive experience. To help manage pain and anxiety, we provide the following:

• IV sedation:
  If you feel nervous about dental treatments, we provide IV sedation to help you feel more at ease during the procedure. This involves administering medication intravenously, helping patients feel calm and less aware of the treatment.
• General anaesthesia:
  In extreme cases or for patients with special needs, we may recommend general anaesthesia. This is reserved for complex cases or individuals with severe anxiety, rendering them unconscious during the procedure.
• Modern techniques:
  Our dentists use advanced techniques to minimise discomfort, such as rotary endodontics and apex locators. These enable our dentists to perform the treatment with greater precision and efficiency, minimising discomfort.

Following the procedure, you might feel some discomfort in the affected tooth. This can usually be controlled with pain relief medication from your local pharmacy. Our team at Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup will provide detailed post-treatment instructions to minimise discomfort and promote healing.