Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, or root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside a tooth - the soft tissue containing the nerve and blood supply has become irreparably infected or has died.

This can happen as a result of deep decay, a crack or fracture in the tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or an injury. Rather than extracting the tooth, root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and restores it to full function.

It's a tooth-saving procedure, and in most cases a very worthwhile one.

A filling treats decay on the outer part of the tooth. A root canal treats infection or damage inside the tooth, in the pulp and root canals. If decay reaches the pulp, a filling alone won't solve the problem - root canal treatment is needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

This is the question we hear most often, and the honest answer is that root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling.

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area completely before treatment begins, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure itself. Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is.

Our caring team at Integrated Dental Care will make sure you're relaxed and comfortable throughout, and will always check in with you as the appointment progresses.

The cost of root canal treatment in Melbourne varies depending on which tooth is affected and the complexity of the case. Front teeth, which have a single root, are generally less expensive to treat than molars, which can have three or more roots.

At Integrated Dental Care Pakenham, we believe in transparent pricing. We'll provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

• Health fund rebates - Root canal treatment is covered under most private health insurance policies. We have HICAPS on-site, so you can claim your rebate on the spot and only pay the gap.
• Payment plans available - We also offer flexible payment options to make treatment more accessible. Your oral health shouldn't wait because of cost - speak to our team about your options.

Root canal treatment removes the pulp, which supplies nutrients to the tooth. This can make the tooth more brittle over time. A crown protects the tooth from fractures and restores full chewing function.

In some cases, particularly for front teeth, a filling may be sufficient - our Pakenham dentist will recommend the best option for your tooth during your assessment.