Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Treatment in Altona Meadows

A root canal treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth. The aim is to relieve your pain and keep your natural tooth in place rather than remove it.

A dentist with more than 25 years of clinical experience performs treatment under local anaesthetic, with sedation available if you feel anxious. If you are in pain now, call the clinic.

Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, removes the damaged tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them. The outside of the tooth stays exactly where it is. Once the canals are sealed, the tooth is restored with a filling or a crown to protect it, because a tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle than it was before.

The purpose of the treatment is to settle the infection and keep your natural tooth where it can be saved. As with any dental procedure, there are risks involved, and your dentist will examine the tooth, usually with an X-ray, and explain what treatment would involve before anything begins.

Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Relief From the Toothache
Treatment addresses the infection inside the tooth, which is the source of the pain.
Your Own Tooth, Kept in Place
Nothing replaces a natural tooth as well as a natural tooth, which is why saving it is usually the first option considered.
Protecting the Neighbouring Tooth
Keeping the tooth means the teeth beside it are not drawn on to support a bridge later.
No Gap to Manage
A tooth that is removed leaves a space, and that space usually needs addressing in its own right.
Carried Out Under Local Anaesthetic
The tooth is numb throughout. For many people the appointment feels much like having a filling.
Usually One or Two Visits
Some cases are completed in a single visit and others over two, depending on the tooth.
Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

What Root Canal Treatment Involves

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Examination and X-ray

Your dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to see the root, the surrounding bone and how far the infection has spread. This is also where you find out whether the tooth can be saved.

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Numbing the tooth

Local anaesthetic is given so the tooth and the area around it are numb before anything starts. If you feel anxious, tell us, because sedation can be arranged.

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Cleaning the canals

A small opening is made in the top of the tooth. The infected tissue is removed, and the canals inside the root are cleaned and shaped.

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Sealing the tooth

The cleaned canals are filled and sealed to stop bacteria re-entering. Depending on the tooth, this happens at the same visit or at a second appointment.

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Restoring the tooth

A treated tooth is more brittle than it was, so it is rebuilt with a filling or protected with a crown. Your dentist will explain which your tooth needs.

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Your review

We check that the tooth has settled and that the area is healing as expected.

Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

Do You Need a Root Canal?

Only an examination and an X-ray can confirm it, but these are the signs that usually bring people in. Book an assessment if:
  • You have a deep, throbbing toothache, or pain that wakes you at night
  • A tooth is sharply sensitive to hot or cold and the feeling lingers after the source is removed
  • It hurts to bite down or to press on one particular tooth
  • The gum near a tooth is swollen or tender, or there is a small pimple on the gum
  • A tooth has darkened compared with the ones beside it
  • A tooth is cracked or badly broken, or a large filling has failed
  • A dentist has already told you the nerve of a tooth is dying or infected
Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

Why Patients Across Melbourne's West Choose Us

More Than 25 Years of Experience

Dr Guneet Kaur has cared for patients across Altona Meadows, Altona, Laverton and Point Cook for over 25 years.

Preserving Your Natural Tooth

Our goal is to keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, and to treat rather than remove wherever that is the sensible option.

Comfort for Anxious Patients

Appointments are paced so that nothing feels rushed, and sedation is available for patients with dental anxiety.

No Surprises on Cost

Every treatment begins with a thorough examination, a clear discussion of your options, and an estimate of fees before anything starts.

Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

If the Idea of a Root Canal Worries You

Root canals have a reputation that is worse than the appointment. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, and for many people it feels much like having a filling done. If you are anxious, say so when you book, because it changes how we plan your appointment.
  • Local anaesthetic is given so the tooth is numb before treatment begins
  • Sedation dentistry is available for patients with dental anxiety or longer treatment
  • Your dentist will assess whether sedation is suitable for you
  • Each step is explained before it happens, with time for your questions
  • Tell us at any point if you need to stop, and we will stop
Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

Health Funds and Paying for Treatment

Health Funds

All major health funds are accepted, including Medibank, HCF, nib, AHM and CBHS, and our team can help process your claim. Instant claiming may be available. Cosmetic treatment is covered differently to general dentistry, so we recommend checking your level of cover, and we can help you understand what your benefit looks like.

An Estimate Before You Commit

Before any procedure begins, our team provides an estimate of fees and discusses your options. Payment is due on completion of your appointment, by EFTPOS or credit card.

If You Are in Pain Now

Do not wait for a routine appointment if a tooth is keeping you awake or your face is swollen. Call our team so we can book you in for an emergency appointment.

Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382
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Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Is a root canal painful?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is usually comfortable. For many people, it feels similar to having a filling. Some tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles with simple pain relief. In most cases, the pain people arrive with is worse than anything they feel during treatment.
Why might I need a root canal?
It is used when the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, often from deep decay, a crack, or an injury. The aim is to relieve the problem and save the natural tooth where possible.
Is wisdom tooth removal always surgical?

Not always. A fully erupted, accessible tooth may be straightforward to remove, while impacted teeth often need a surgical approach. We will confirm what applies to you after an assessment and imaging.

Wouldn't it be easier to just remove the tooth?
Removing the tooth is sometimes an option, but keeping your natural tooth is often preferable where it can be saved. We will explain the considerations on each side so you can decide.
How many appointments does it take?
It depends on the tooth and your situation. Some cases are completed in one visit and others over two. We will outline the plan after assessing the tooth, usually with an X-ray.

What happens after a root canal?

The tooth is often more fragile afterwards, so it may need a crown to protect it. We will explain the follow-up and aftercare for your case.

How much does root canal treatment cost in Melbourne?

It depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has, so we quote for each case after an assessment. You will receive an estimate of fees before treatment begins, along with an indication of what your health fund may contribute. The crown that usually follows is quoted separately.

Will the tooth last after a root canal?

A treated tooth can serve you well for many years, particularly once it is protected with a crown. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on the tooth, your bite and how well it is cared for.

Does every root canal need a crown afterwards?

Not always, but often. Back teeth take the most force when you chew and usually need a crown. A front tooth with a small opening may be fine with a filling. Your dentist will tell you which applies to your tooth.

What happens if I leave it untreated?

An infected tooth does not settle by itself. The infection can spread into the surrounding bone, and the tooth may reach a point where it can no longer be saved. If you have facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, or pain that is getting worse, treat it as urgent.

Can I be seen the same day if I am in pain?

We keep time for urgent cases and aim to see dental emergencies as soon as we can. Call us and we will do our best to fit you in.

Ready when you are

Book Your Root
Canal Assessment

Visit our clinic today and our friendly team will assess your teeth, walk you through your options, and recommend the right treatment for you.

Book Online Call (03) 9369 2382

Contact Us

In pain, or want to know whether a root canal is needed? Send us a message and our team will be in touch.

  • (03) 9369 2382
  • info@altonameadowsdentalclinic.com.au
  • 95 Victoria St, Altona Meadows VIC 3028
  • Monday to Friday | 9:00am – 6:00pm
    Saturday | 8:00am – 12:00pm
    Sunday | Closed

    Dental office

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