Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth — specifically from the pulp chamber and root canals that house the nerve and blood supply.
When bacteria reach the inner pulp through deep decay, a crack, or dental trauma, severe pain and swelling can follow. Without treatment, the infection spreads, the tooth dies, and extraction may become the only option.
Root canal treatment relieves the pain, eliminates the infection, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection — giving your natural tooth a long and healthy future. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is under modern local anaesthesia.
Your natural tooth provides better chewing function and sensation than any replacement option.
Keeping the tooth prevents adjacent teeth from drifting and maintains your bite alignment long-term.
Root canal treatment typically costs less than extraction followed by an implant or bridge to fill the gap.
With a crown placed afterwards and regular care, a root-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Step 1
We assess the tooth with X-rays to understand the extent of infection or damage and plan your treatment carefully.
Step 2
We thoroughly numb the area. Most patients are surprised to find the procedure no more uncomfortable than a filling.
Step 3
We access the inner tooth, remove the infected pulp, and carefully clean and shape all root canals.
Step 4
The canals are disinfected then filled and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
Step 5
A temporary filling seals the tooth between appointments while the area heals fully.
Step 6
In most cases a crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore full strength and protect it long-term.
We understand the thought of a root canal can feel daunting. Our approach is to make the experience calm, comfortable, and completely clear from start to finish.
Our dentists have extensive experience with endodontic treatment and work with patience and precision at every step.
We explain every step before we proceed, and you are always in control. Ask us to pause at any time.
Serving Macleod, Rosanna, Watsonia, Bundoora, and surrounding suburbs. New patients always welcome.
We use effective local anaesthetic to completely numb the area before we begin, so the procedure itself should be pain-free. You may feel some pressure and movement but not pain. In fact, most patients are surprised by how comfortable root canal treatment is compared to their expectations. Any mild soreness in the days following is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Straightforward cases can often be completed in a single appointment. More complex teeth — those with multiple canals or significant infection — may require two visits to allow the area to settle between sessions. We will give you a clear timeline at your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Where possible, saving your natural tooth is nearly always the better long-term option. Your own tooth functions better, looks better, preserves jawbone, and typically costs less over time than an extraction followed by an implant or bridge. We will always discuss all your options so you can make an informed decision.
In most cases, yes. Root canal treatment leaves the tooth more brittle over time, and a crown provides the protection needed for full long-term function. We will discuss this as part of your overall treatment plan, including timing and cost, so there are no surprises.
A crown is usually placed after root canal treatment to protect and restore the tooth.
When a tooth cannot be saved, we perform gentle extractions and discuss your best replacement options.
In severe pain right now? We offer same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain fast.
Tooth pain is a signal you should never ignore. The sooner we treat it, the better the outcome — and the more likely we can save your tooth. Call Macleod Dental today.
