What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal (also called endodontic treatment) is a procedure to save a tooth whose inner pulp — the soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue — has become infected or inflamed. Rather than extracting the tooth entirely, your dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection.

The goal is simple: keep your natural tooth in place and functioning normally, so you can continue eating and smiling with confidence.

Why You Might Need a Root Canal

The pulp inside your tooth can become damaged for several reasons. Common causes include:

Without treatment, an infected pulp can lead to an abscess — a pocket of pus at the root tip — which can cause severe pain, swelling, and even bone loss in the jaw.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not every toothache means you need a root canal, but certain symptoms warrant prompt attention. Watch out for:

1. Severe, Persistent Toothache

A deep, throbbing pain that does not go away — especially one that radiates to your jaw, ear, or other teeth — may indicate that the pulp is infected. The pain may be constant or come in waves, and it often worsens when you bite down.

2. Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

It is normal for teeth to feel a brief twinge when you drink something very hot or cold. But if the sensitivity lingers for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed, the pulp may be damaged.

3. A Darkened Tooth

A tooth that has turned grey, dark yellow, or black compared to its neighbours can be a sign that the pulp inside has died or is dying. This discolouration happens because the internal tissue is breaking down.

4. Swollen or Tender Gums

Swelling around a specific tooth — particularly if the gums feel tender to the touch or appear puffy — can indicate an infection spreading from the tooth root into the surrounding tissue.

5. A Pimple on the Gums

A small, persistent bump on the gums near a tooth (sometimes called a gum boil or fistula) is a classic sign of a dental abscess. It may occasionally drain, leaving an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Early treatment can save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.

The Root Canal Procedure: Step by Step

Understanding what happens during a root canal can help put your mind at ease. Here is a walkthrough of the typical procedure.

Step 1: Anaesthesia

Your dentist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You will be awake throughout the procedure but should not feel any pain — only a sensation of pressure at times.

Step 2: Access Opening

Once the area is numb, your dentist creates a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the procedure.

Step 3: Cleaning the Canals

Using very fine, specialised instruments, your dentist carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. An antiseptic solution is used to irrigate and disinfect the canals thoroughly.

Step 4: Shaping

The cleaned canals are shaped to prepare them for filling. This ensures the filling material can seal the canals completely, leaving no space for bacteria to re-enter.

Step 5: Filling with Gutta-Percha

The shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material is heated and compressed to fit snugly within the canals, sealing them off from further infection.

Step 6: Temporary Filling

A temporary filling is placed over the access opening to protect the tooth until your permanent restoration (usually a crown) is ready.

Step 7: Crown Placement

In a follow-up appointment, your dentist will place a permanent crown or other restoration on the tooth. This step is crucial — it protects the treated tooth from fracture and restores its full chewing function.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

This is the question everyone asks — and the honest answer may surprise you. Modern root canal treatment, performed under local anaesthesia, is largely painless. Most patients describe the experience as comparable to getting a filling done.

The reputation root canals have for being painful is largely outdated. Advances in anaesthesia, instruments, and techniques mean that the procedure itself is comfortable. In fact, a root canal relieves pain — because it removes the infected tissue that is causing your toothache in the first place.

After the procedure, it is normal to experience mild soreness or tenderness around the treated tooth for a few days. This is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, take the full course as directed.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from a root canal is generally straightforward. Most patients return to their normal activities the same day or the next. Here are some tips to help your recovery go smoothly:

With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. The key is protecting it with a crown and maintaining regular dental check-ups.

Root Canal Cost at Trust Dental Surgery

At Trust Dental Surgery, root canal treatment starts from $650. The final cost depends on factors such as which tooth is being treated (front teeth are simpler; molars with multiple canals cost more) and the complexity of the case.

A crown is an additional cost and will be quoted separately based on the material and tooth location.

Payment and Subsidy Options

All prices are before GST (9%). Our team will provide a clear cost breakdown before treatment begins, so there are no surprises. If you have questions about pricing or payment options, feel free to visit our root canal service page or reach out to us directly.