If you've been told you need a root canal, you might feel nervous or unsure about what it means. But don't worry — Root Canal Therapy is a common, effective treatment that can relieve pain and save your natural tooth. At Brunswick Dental Clinic, we regularly help patients from Melbourne’s inner suburbs, including Brunswick, Carlton North, and Fitzroy North, with gentle and successful root canal treatments.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root Canal Therapy (RCT) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth — known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels and helps your tooth grow during early development. Once a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without the pulp, which is why we can safely remove it when it's infected.
During root canal therapy, your dentist will:
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Remove the infected or inflamed pulp
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Clean and shape the root canals inside the tooth
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Fill and seal the space to prevent further infection
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Usually place a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons a tooth may become infected or inflamed:
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Deep tooth decay (cavities left untreated for too long)
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Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
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A cracked or chipped tooth
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Trauma to the face or jaw
Some signs you may need a root canal include:
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Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure
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Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
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Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
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Swelling or tenderness in the gums
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A recurring pimple on the gums
Sometimes, you may have no symptoms at all. That’s why regular check-ups at your local dentist — like Brunswick Dental Clinic — are essential to catch issues early.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A root canal usually takes 1 to 3 appointments, depending on the tooth and the level of infection. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Diagnosis & X-rays
Your dentist will take X-rays to examine the shape of your root canals and look for signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
2. Local Anaesthesia
The area around your tooth will be numbed, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
3. Cleaning the Tooth
The dentist will create an opening in the crown of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean the inside of the root canals using small instruments.
4. Filling the Canals
Once cleaned, the canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent future infection.
5. Restoration
In most cases, a crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it and restore full function.
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
Thanks to modern dentistry and local anaesthetics, root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. Most patients say they feel relief afterwards because the pain from the infection is gone.
At Brunswick Dental Clinic, we take pride in providing gentle care and a calm, friendly environment to make your treatment as stress-free as possible.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Australia?
In Australia, root canal treatment typically costs between $900 to $2,500, depending on:
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The number of root canals in the tooth
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Whether a crown is needed
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The complexity of the procedure
Molars (back teeth) usually cost more due to having more roots and being harder to access.
At Brunswick Dental Clinic, we offer clear quotes upfront and accept most private health insurance. Our goal is to help make quality care accessible and affordable for everyone.
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Root Canal?
Delaying or avoiding treatment can lead to:
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Spreading of infection to nearby teeth and bone
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Formation of a painful abscess
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Tooth loss
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More expensive and complex dental treatments later on
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to get root canal therapy, it’s best not to wait. Saving your natural tooth is almost always better than extracting it.
Aftercare Tips: Looking After Your Tooth
After your treatment:
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Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until your dentist places a crown
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Brush and floss regularly to keep your mouth healthy
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Attend follow-up appointments for check-ups and your crown placement
With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last just as long as your other natural teeth.
Real Story: A Melbourne Patient’s Experience
Emily, a 35-year-old patient from Northcote, came to us with a lingering toothache and swelling in her jaw. After a thorough check-up and X-rays, we found a deep cavity that had reached the pulp of her molar.
She was nervous about getting a root canal but trusted our team after reading reviews online.
"I expected the worst, but the procedure was honestly fine! I didn’t feel a thing, and within a few days, I was back to normal. So glad I didn’t ignore the pain any longer."
Today, Emily’s smile is healthy and pain-free.
https://brunswickdentalclinic.com.au/root-canal-therapy/