What Is a Root Canal? Everything You Need to Know 

When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment? 

Root canal therapy is typically recommended when: 

1. You have a severe, persistent toothache – especially when chewing 
2. You notice prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold 
3. Your tooth has darkened or changed colour 
4. You have swelling or tenderness in nearby gums 
5. A pimple-like bump (abscess) appears on your gum 
6. An X-ray reveals infection at the root tip 

Don’t Ignore It: If you have any of these symptoms, see a dentist in Dandenong promptly. Untreated pulp infections can spread to the jaw, neck, and beyond. 

Does a Root Canal Hurt? 

This is the question everyone asks – and the answer might surprise you. 

Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain. It relieves it. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so the area is thoroughly numbed before anything begins. 

Most patients say getting a root canal feels similar to having a filling done. Any mild soreness afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. 

**The real pain is the infection itself – the root canal is the solution, not the problem. 

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy? (Step by Step) 

Here’s what to expect during your appointment: 

1. Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the tooth and surrounding area. 
2. A dental dam (small rubber sheet) is placed to keep the area clean and dry. 
3. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp. 
4. The infected pulp is carefully removed using fine dental instruments. 
5. The canals are shaped, cleaned, and disinfected. 
6. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. 
7. The tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. 
8. A crown is usually placed at a follow-up visit to fully restore the tooth. 

Depending on the complexity, root canal treatment may be completed in one or two visits. 

How Long Does It Take? 

Most root canal treatments take between 60 – 90 minutes per session. More complex cases with multiple canals (like molars) may require a second appointment. 

What Happens After a Root Canal? 

Recovery is usually straightforward: 

1. Mild soreness for a few days – manageable with ibuprofen or paracetamol 
2. Avoid chewing on the treated side until the crown is placed 
3. Continue brushing and flossing normally 
4. Attend your follow-up appointment to fit the final crown 

Teeth that have had root canal therapy can last a lifetime with proper care. 

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction – What’s Better? 

Some patients wonder: ‘Why not just pull the tooth?’ 

While extraction is sometimes necessary, saving your natural tooth is almost always the better option. Here’s why: 

1. Natural teeth function better than implants or dentures 
2. Losing a tooth can cause neighbouring teeth to shift 
3. Implants (the replacement option) often cost more than root canal + crown 
4. Your natural bite and jaw structure stay intact 

Our Recommendation: If a tooth can be saved with root canal therapy, we’ll always explore that option first at Dandenong Smile Health. 

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost in Australia? 

Costs vary depending on which tooth is treated and the number of canals: 

1. Front teeth (1 canal): approx. $900 – $1,500 
2. Premolars (2 canals): approx. $1,200 – $2,000 
3. Molars (3–4 canals): approx. $1,500 – $2,800+ 

Private health insurance with major dental cover typically contributes. At Dandenong Smile Health, we accept all major payment providers and health funds, and we’ll provide a full treatment quote before we begin. 

Root Canal Treatment at Dandenong Smile Health 

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need root canal therapy, don’t put it off. Our experienced team – including Dr Lakshmi and Dr Khairul Alam – performs root canal treatment with care, precision, and your comfort as the priority. 

We serve patients from across Dandenong and nearby suburbs including Springvale, Keysborough, Hallam, Narre Warren, Noble Park, Doveton, Rowville, Cranbourne, Clyde North, and Mulgrave.