What is endodontic treatment?
Endodontic treatment, or Root Canal Treatment, is the treatment of an inflamed or infected tooth. Although most root canal treatments can be carried out successfully by general dentists, sometimes toothache can be hard to localize making diagnosis difficult, or a treatment is more difficult than normal.
In these cases specialist help is sought. An endodontic specialist is a dentist who has done 3 years post graduate study, specifically focusing on diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures.
Why do I need endodontic treatment?
Common causes for infection or inflammation of the soft tissues within a tooth (pulp) are deep caries.
Trauma can also cause a tooth to become inflamed. Once the pulp becomes infected the only way to save it is to clean and disinfect the root canal system. If it is left untreated, it can cause pain and/or lead to an abscess.
What is the long term outlook for my tooth?
Success rates vary from case to case depending on the level of complexity of treatment and existing complications. This will be discussed with you at your consultation appointment so you can make an informed decision about the right treatment for you.
What happens during treatment?
Treatment usually takes 2-4 appointments depending on each individual case. This will be discussed with you at the time of consultation. Under local anesthetic, with a latex (or latex free if necessary) rubber dam to isolate the tooth, the inside of your tooth will be cleaned out to remove all the infected or inflamed tissue.
Raj routinely uses a dental operating microscope which assists with location and thorough cleaning of canals.
Once the inside of your tooth is properly cleaned (this can take a few appointments) it will be filled with a natural rubber-based material and permanent filling placed on top.
How much will it cost?
Your consultation will cost $210 (more than 1 tooth will incurr additonal cost). A CBCT scan if required will be an additional $160. Fees for treatment vary according to the degree of difficulty and time spent. The approximate range of fees is $1700 - $3000, however an accurate quote will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Recall Appointment
Upon completion of treatment we will contact you in 6 months to assess the healing of the tooth.
This recall appointment is free of charge.
What about ACC?
We are an ACC registered practice and work with a part-payment policy. If your treatment is ACC related make sure you discuss this with the receptionist and endodontist at your consultation appointment.
Where are you located?
You can find our practice located in Gate 1 of the Anglesea Clinic complex. Enter the main doors and we are on level 2, in the consultant suites.