Root Canal Treatment in Sydney

Name: CDC Dental
Address: Level 4, 12 O’Connell St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, AU
Telephone: (02) 9231 3822
Price range: $$

At CDC Dental, we focus on both preventing dental problems and restoring damaged teeth so you can maintain your oral health over the long term. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a restorative procedure used to preserve a tooth when the tissue inside it becomes inflamed or infected.

Root canals were once associated with significant discomfort, but modern techniques and local anaesthesia have changed the experience considerably. With Dentist Dr Tony Goswell’s gentle, unhurried approach and appropriate pain management, many patients find the procedure similar in comfort to other routine dental work.

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When Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the soft tissue inside the root canal (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. Where possible, the procedure is required to try and save the severely damaged natural tooth, before resorting to extraction.
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Are You a Candidate for Root Canal Treatment?

As with any dental concern, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the issue from requiring more complex work down the track. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, then you may be a candidate for root canal treatment:

Swollen or tender gums
A severe toothache
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold

A darkened or discoloured tooth
An abscess or noticeable signs of infection

Root Canal Treatment vs Extraction

When a tooth can be predictably restored, root canal treatment may allow it to be preserved rather than removed. Keeping a natural tooth can help maintain normal function and avoid the need to replace a missing tooth. Extraction may be considered when a tooth cannot reasonably be restored or when other clinical factors make removal the more appropriate option. Dr Goswell will discuss the available options based on the condition of your tooth.

When a Specialist Referral May Be Needed

Most root canal treatments are completed here at CDC Dental as part of your ongoing care. Occasionally, a tooth with complex or calcified root anatomy may require more specialised care. In these cases, we may recommend referral to an endodontist so you can receive care appropriate to the complexity of the tooth.

Sydney patient in a dental consultation

Meet Your Dentist

Your root canal treatment is carried out by Dr Goswell, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) with close to 45 years in general practice. He takes a conservative, unhurried approach to every appointment, with a focus on preserving your natural tooth wherever clinically appropriate rather than moving straight to extraction.

Patients visiting our Sydney practice receive personalised, attentive care from our convenient CBD location at Level 4, 12 O’Connell Street.

The Root Canal Procedure

Root canal treatment at the practice typically takes three to four appointments to complete. The exact process may vary depending on the tooth and your individual circumstances, and an additional appointment may sometimes be needed.

Appointment 1: Cleaning and Medicating the ToothAppointment 2: Continuing TreatmentAppointment 3: Restoring the Tooth

We begin by removing the pulp along with bacteria and debris from inside the tooth. Once the chamber has been thoroughly cleaned, medication is placed inside and the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling for around three weeks.

At your second appointment, we remove the temporary filling and assess the tooth. Further medication may be placed inside before the tooth is resealed, allowing time for the area to settle before the next stage.

Around three weeks later, we’ll assess the tooth again. If it’s ready for its final restoration, we’ll place a permanent filling. A crown may also be recommended to help protect the tooth, depending on its location and how much natural tooth structure remains.

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can be more susceptible to fracture, which is why protecting the remaining tooth structure is an important part of planning the final restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is root canal treatment painful?

Modern local anaesthesia and dental techniques are used to manage discomfort during the procedure. Many patients find root canal treatment similar in comfort to having a routine filling, although individual experiences can vary. We will also talk you through each stage so you know what to expect.

How many appointments does root canal treatment take?

Root canal treatment at our practice typically takes three to four appointments, with time between stages. The number of visits you need will depend on the tooth and how it responds during treatment.

What happens if I don’t get treatment?

Without treatment, an infected tooth may develop an abscess, and the infection may spread to surrounding tissues. This can lead to increasing discomfort and may reduce the options available for preserving the tooth. Having it assessed promptly allows your dentist to determine the appropriate next step.

Will I need a crown afterwards?

A crown is often recommended after root canal treatment, particularly for teeth that need additional protection from biting forces. Whether you need one will depend on factors such as the tooth involved and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Our dentist will discuss the appropriate restoration with you.

How successful is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is an established dental procedure used to preserve a tooth when the pulp has become inflamed or infected. Outcomes vary depending on factors such as the condition of the tooth, the extent of infection and its ability to be restored. Dr Goswell can assess your tooth and discuss what may be appropriate in your individual case.

Do I need a referral to a specialist?

In many cases, root canal treatment can be completed here at CDC Dental. More complex cases may require the specialised expertise of an endodontist. If a referral is appropriate, we can discuss this with you as part of your treatment planning.

Get Started Today

If you suspect you may require root canal treatment, it’s important to have the tooth assessed promptly. Please schedule an appointment with our friendly and experienced team today.

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.

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