Root Canal
Saving your natural
tooth.
When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth — so it can be kept rather than lost.
AccreditedAustralian Dental AssociationRACDSICOIAACD
Preserving your own teeth
Keeping your natural tooth is our priority — and a root canal is often what makes that possible.
When bacteria from a cavity, or harmful irritation, reach the nerve (pulp) inside a tooth, it can become infected or inflamed. Root canal treatment removes that damaged tissue, cleans the space it occupied, and fills it with a suitable material — using magnification to reach areas that are otherwise hard to see.
The process
How a root canal works.
01
Diagnosis
We examine the tooth and take X-rays to confirm whether root canal treatment is needed.
02
Anaesthetic & access
The area is numbed for comfort, then a small opening is made to reach the pulp chamber inside the tooth.
03
Clean & disinfect
The damaged nerve tissue is carefully removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
04
Fill & restore
The canals are sealed with a biocompatible material, then the tooth is protected with a filling or crown.
Common questions
Root canal, answered.
Does a root canal hurt a lot?
With proper anaesthetic, root canal treatment is generally not very painful — most people find it comparable to having a filling.
How many visits does it take?
It can sometimes be done in a single session, but it usually takes around 3 to 4 visits — occasionally more, depending on how severe the infection is.
Do I really need a crown afterwards?
Usually, yes. A treated tooth has less structure left and is more prone to fracture. Protecting it with a restoration helps avoid a break that could mean more complex treatment — or losing the tooth.
Aftercare
Looking after the treated tooth.
- If you have any discomfort afterwards, over-the-counter pain relief or anything we prescribe can help.
- Avoid eating for about 2 hours, until the anaesthetic wears off and any temporary filling has set.
- Try not to chew on the treated tooth, so you don't break it or dislodge a temporary filling.
- Because a treated tooth is prone to fracture, it's important to have it restored with a crown or filling.
Keep the tooth you already have.
Book a consultation at Hornsby or Eastwood and we'll assess whether a root canal can save your tooth — with dentists who speak English, 한국어 and 中文.
The number of visits and outcome of root canal treatment vary between individuals depending on the tooth and the extent of infection, and any associated risks are discussed with you before treatment.