Your endodontist will discuss your symptoms and medical and dental history before examining the affected tooth. Diagnostic tests and dental imaging may be required. We will then explain the diagnosis, treatment options, expected outcomes, fees and any relevant risks before proceeding.

Please bring your referral, a list of current medications, relevant medical information and details of any recent dental treatment. If your dentist has provided X-rays or scans, please bring these with you or arrange for them to be sent to our practice.

In some cases, treatment can begin on the same day. However, a separate consultation may be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain, the tooth is particularly complex or additional planning is required. Emergency treatment may be provided when necessary to relieve pain or manage infection.

Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth. The root canal system is carefully cleaned, disinfected, shaped and sealed to help preserve the natural tooth and prevent further infection.

Root canal treatment may be recommended when the dental pulp becomes inflamed, damaged or infected. Common causes include deep decay, cracks, trauma, repeated dental procedures or a leaking restoration. Symptoms can include persistent pain, sensitivity, pain when biting, swelling or discolouration, although some affected teeth cause no symptoms.

Modern root canal treatment is performed using local anaesthetic and should feel similar to other dental procedures. Our priority is to keep you comfortable throughout treatment. Some tenderness after the appointment is normal and usually settles over the following few days.

Many teeth can be treated in one or two appointments. The number of visits depends on the tooth’s anatomy, the presence of infection, previous treatment and the complexity of the case. Your endodontist will discuss the anticipated treatment plan with you.

Most treatment appointments take approximately 60–90 minutes. Complex cases may require longer. We will provide an estimated appointment time when your treatment is scheduled.

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, particularly when the tooth can be adequately restored and maintained. However, no dental or medical procedure can be guaranteed. The outcome depends on factors such as the condition of the tooth, the complexity of its anatomy, the extent of infection and the final restoration.

With appropriate treatment, a well-sealed final restoration and good oral hygiene, a root canal-treated tooth may function for many years. Regular dental examinations remain important because the tooth can still develop decay, fractures or gum disease.

The tooth and surrounding tissues may feel tender for several days, particularly when biting. This usually improves gradually. Follow the instructions provided by your endodontist and take any recommended medication as directed.

Back teeth often require a crown or another protective restoration because they carry substantial chewing forces and may be more vulnerable to fracture. Your general dentist will recommend the most suitable final restoration for your tooth.

You should return to your general dentist promptly after treatment to complete the permanent restoration. Delaying the final restoration may increase the risk of leakage, decay or fracture.

Please contact us if you experience significant or increasing swelling, severe pain that is not improving, a reaction to medication, loss of a temporary restoration or any symptoms that concern you. Seek urgent medical assistance if you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swel

Follow-up examinations may be recommended to assess healing around the tooth. Healing can take time and may not be immediately visible on an X-ray, even when symptoms have resolved.

A tooth may not heal as expected or may develop a new problem months or years later. Possible causes include complex anatomy, persistent bacteria, a leaking or delayed restoration, new decay or a crack. Further assessment can determine whether retreatment, surgery or another option is appropriate.

Retreatment involves reopening a previously treated tooth, removing the existing root-filling materials and carefully cleaning and resealing the root canal system. Specialist equipment and magnification are often helpful when managing these cases.

Fees depend on the tooth being treated, the complexity of the procedure and whether previous treatment is present. Following your consultation, we will provide a personalised treatment plan and fee estimate before treatment begins.

Your rebate will depend on your insurer and level of dental cover. We can provide the relevant treatment item numbers so you can confirm your expected benefit directly with your health fund. We utilise HICAPS to allow to you to claim a rebate on the day of treatment

Payment options may be available through ZipPay, Afterpay and Denticare. Please contact our reception team before treatment to discuss the options currently offered by the practice.