fbpx

Root Canal Treatment at Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery

At Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery, you’ll find a broad array of solutions to meet your every dental need. We want to keep your smile happy and healthy, preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. A root canal treatment is one such option that can save your tooth from having to be extracted. Thanks to our contemporary procedures and equipment, this treatment is straightforward and minimises your discomfort.

Why Get a Root Canal?

A root canal involves addressing the pulp or nerve of a tooth that is infected or inflamed. You might have a toothache if you need a root canal. If you try to ignore the pain, you may end up requiring a tooth extraction. That’s why we recommend coming into the clinic straightaway if you have a toothache.

A root canal may be necessary in the following situations:

  • A tooth that is fractured or cracked
  • Lesions or abscesses
  • Tooth discolouration
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Tooth pain
  • Swelling and tender gums
We want you to be able to take control of your oral health, which is why we discuss your home habits with you. We’ll give you any relevant advice on products to use or techniques for brushing and flossing so that you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy between your checkups.

What to Expect

The first step is to determine whether a root canal is appropriate for you. We’ll book you in for an evaluation and take a look at your tooth, listing all possible treatment options for you. If we decide that a root canal is the best way to proceed, it will take place over two to three appointments.

During the first appointment, we’ll take x-rays and gain an understanding of how best to proceed. Then, we’ll administer a local anaesthetic so that you’re entirely numbed and open up the tooth to remove any dead nerve tissue and release any buildup of gasses and fluids. Following that, we will clean out and shape the pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth so that the bacteria is removed is removed. In the final step, the open space is then filled with biocompatible materials and cement seals off the area.

At Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery, we take pride in having the latest technology and sterility standards. We use rotary systems that are precision built to reduce the risk of complications and maximise the removal of dead tissue and bacteria. Our clinic also has advanced softcore obturation and back-fill technology allowing us to seal your tooth with more accuracy than any traditional method. 

After the final seal, we will rebook you to place  a crown or another appropriate restoration to rebuild the tooth’s strength and ensure that your root canal has a long life. 

What is Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)?

Endodontics refers to a specialised branch of dentistry at our clinic that is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp issues. The most common endodontic treatment we provide in Berwick is the root canal, a procedure that aims to save a severely infected or damaged tooth that might otherwise require extraction.

As part of a root canal procedure, our skilled dentist expertly removes the infected or inflamed pulp from within the tooth, meticulously cleans and shapes the root canal, and finally fills and seals the void to ensure optimal oral health.

At Berwick Dental Clinic, we use advanced techniques and technologies in our root canal treatments. For instance, our use of Rotary Endodontics allows us to navigate the complex pathways of the root canal with precision, avoiding damage to the delicate passageway.

What Are the Symptoms That You Might Need a Root Canal?

A root canal procedure at our Berwick clinic is often necessary to treat severe tooth decay or infection. Recognising the symptoms early on can help prevent further complications. Here are some signs that indicate you might need a root canal:

Severe Toothache:

One of the most common symptoms is a severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth. This pain level can vary from mild to extreme and may come and go or be constant.

Sensitivity to Temperature:

Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold materials, even after the source of the temperature change has been removed, is another common sign. This could present as a sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache.

Tooth Discolouration:

A darkened or discoloured tooth can indicate that the nerves inside the tooth are damaged or dead, often necessitating a root canal.

Swollen, Tender Gums:

Swelling and tenderness in the gums around a specific tooth can signal an infection that requires treatment. The swelling may be consistent or fluctuate over time.

Persistent Pimple on the Gums:

A recurring or persistent pimple on the gums, often known as a dental abscess or gum boil, can be a sign of infection. This may also be accompanied by pus drainage and can cause a foul taste in the mouth.

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a dentist promptly. Delaying treatment could lead to more serious complications, including the spread of infection and potential tooth loss.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

The length of a root canal treatment at our Berwick clinic can vary depending on how bad the infection is and the complexity of the root canal system. Typically, the root canal procedure can be finished in one or two appointments, each lasting about 90 minutes. During your consultation at Berwick Dental Clinic, our team will provide you with an individualised estimate based on your specific situation.

What is a Root Canal Alternative?

Although root canal treatment is often the best solution for saving a severely damaged or infected tooth, alternatives do exist. One common alternative is tooth extraction, followed by replacement with a dental implant, bridge, or denture. However, these alternatives are usually more invasive and costly than a root canal, and they may not provide the same long-lasting results.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal by the team at Berwick Dental Clinic can last a lifetime. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting our dental clinic regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and avoiding hard or crunchy foods that could damage the tooth.

Is a Crown Necessary After a Root Canal?

Yes, it is typically advised to get a crown following a root canal procedure. The reason behind this is that during a root canal, the tooth is hollowed out to remove any infected pulp. This process can leave the tooth brittle and susceptible to fractures. Hence, to safeguard the tooth and restore its function, a crown is usually recommended. A crown offers:

Strength: It fortifies the weakened tooth, ensuring it can withstand daily biting and chewing forces.

Stability: It helps maintain the structural integrity of the tooth.

At Berwick Dental Clinic, we leverage advanced technology like digital scanners for dental procedures including crowns and orthodontics. These digital scans aid our dental professionals in creating highly precise dental models for restorative work such as implants, veneers, and crowns. Additionally, they also assist in diagnosing issues with teeth and gums, enabling your orthodontist to devise the most effective treatment.

We understand that emergencies require swift action. That’s why our labs are equipped to provide fast turnarounds within days if required for emergency situations. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we’re committed to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs.

Is Root Canal Covered by Medicare?

In Australia, Medicare does not generally cover dental procedures like root canals. However, some costs may be partially covered by private health insurance, depending on the specifics of your policy. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we strive to provide affordable dental care, offering competitive root canal costs in Berwick.

The Cost of Root Canal in Berwick

At Berwick Dental Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care. That’s why when it comes to the cost of root canal treatment in Berwick, we’re committed to delivering exceptional value without compromising on the quality of our services.

Before beginning treatment, our team will provide a detailed cost estimate, ensuring you fully understand the charges associated with your root canal procedure. This commitment to transparency ensures there are no unexpected surprises when it comes to your bill.

To further ease the financial burden, Berwick Dental Clinic offers flexible payment options, including:

  • Afterpay
  • Openpay
  • ZIP
  • HUMM
  • In-house direct debit payments for orthodontic treatment

For those who might need additional assistance, we also support Superannuation release for necessary dental procedures. Furthermore, we accept CDBS and are proud members of the HCF preferred providers and the SMILE fee group.

Our aim at Berwick Dental Clinic is to make dental care accessible. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to maintaining your oral health, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

BOOK YOUR TIME TODAY

Don’t wait to give your oral health the attention it needs. Contact us today! We have Saturday appointment times and are open late.