Root Canal Treatment in Wollongong for Tooth Preservation

Medicare generally does not cover dental procedures like root canal treatment unless it’s part of an approved public health program. Most patients will need to arrange care through a private dental clinic. 

Some health funds may contribute to the cost, depending on your level of dental cover and whether any waiting periods apply. Because benefits vary between providers, it’s worth checking with your health fund before beginning treatment. 

Root canal procedures are typically not painful, as local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area before treatment begins. Patients may experience pressure during the procedure, but discomfort is generally minimal. Many report the experience as more manageable than anticipated.

After the procedure, it’s common to experience mild tenderness or discomfort, particularly when chewing. This is usually short-lived and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications. If you are unsure how to manage root canal pain, our team at Illawarra Dentists can assist you. We will recommend post-op instructions to support a more comfortable recovery.

In many cases, a crown is recommended after a root canal procedure to protect the tooth from cracking or further wear. This is especially important for molars and premolars, which receive more chewing pressure and are more prone to damage over time.

Not every tooth needs a crown. For front teeth, a filling can be a suitable option, depending on how much healthy structure remains. Your dentist will assess the tooth and recommend the most appropriate restoration based on its strength, function, and location in the mouth.

A crown promotes long-term stability by protecting a weakened tooth and lowering the likelihood of future dental procedures.

Several symptoms may suggest that your tooth might need root canal treatment. If you notice any of the following, it's important to seek care promptly. Early infected tooth treatment may help manage symptoms and prevent further damage.

1. Persistent, severe tooth pain: This is one of the most noticeable signs that a root canal treatment will be needed. The pain is usually sharp, lingers and may occur spontaneously. It can also worsen when you chew or bite down.
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold: Lingering sensitivity—even after the stimulus is removed—can suggest a dental pulp infection. This pain is usually more intense than usual temperature sensitivity and lasts longer.
3. Tooth discolouration: A tooth that becomes grey or darker than the surrounding teeth may indicate internal tissue damage. This discolouration can suggest that the pulp inside the tooth is dying or infected.
4. Swollen or tender gums: A swelling near the tooth may result from an infection that has spread beyond the root. Sometimes, a small, pimple-like bump called a gum boil may appear. It can release fluid and cause a bad taste or unpleasant breath.
5. Pain when eating or drinking: Discomfort—especially when having hot, cold, or sweet foods—can be a sign of pulp inflammation or infection. This type of pain is often sharper or more persistent than the usual tooth sensitivity.
6. A cracked or chipped tooth: Damage to the tooth surface can allow bacteria to enter the pulp chamber, which may lead to infection. In such cases, infected tooth treatment is needed to address the condition and reduce the risk of further complications.
7. A loose tooth: Tooth mobility indicates that the infection has affected the surrounding structures. This is considered a more serious concern and should be evaluated promptly.
8. Persistent bad breath: Persistent bad breath or a lingering taste in the mouth may be a sign of an infection in the tooth, which would require further dental care.

Most patients begin feeling better within a few days, especially as inflammation settles. Mild sensitivity may last one to two weeks. Full healing, however, can take longer depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the procedure.

Healing is influenced by the severity of the infection, immune health, and the timely placement of the final crown or filling. Adhering to recommended post-root canal care—such as maintaining oral hygiene, attending follow-up visits, and avoiding excessive pressure—can support the healing process. These measures help reduce the risk of complications and contribute to the long-term outcomes of root canal treatment, particularly in complex cases.

A tooth preservation procedure, such as root canal therapy, involves multiple steps. Here is a detailed overview of what is involved:

1. Diagnosis and planning: The dentist begins by examining the tooth and taking X-rays or other imaging to assess the extent of infection or damage. This step helps confirm that root canal therapy is necessary and guides the treatment plan.
2. Local anaesthetic: To help patients feel comfortable during the procedure, local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Patients remain awake but at ease throughout treatment.
3. Isolation of the tooth: A small rubber sheet, called a dental dam, is placed around the tooth to isolate it and prevent contamination by saliva. This helps keep the area clean during the procedure and prevents the patient from ingesting the small instruments used during the procedure. 
4. Access opening: The dentist drills a small hole through the crown (top) of the tooth to achieve access to the pulp chamber and root canals inside.
5. Removal of infected pulp: Using very fine instruments, the dentist carefully removes the infected pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals to eliminate the source of infection and pain.
6. Cleaning and shaping the canals: After pulp removal, the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using irrigation solutions. They are then shaped and flared with fine instruments to create a smooth and tapering space for the root canal filling. This process can be complex—especially in molars—and may take several hours or multiple visits.
7. Filling the root canals: Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material. This usually involves a rubber-like material called gutta-percha combined with a sealer to fill the canals completely. This prevents bacteria from re-entering and reinfecting the tooth.
8. Temporary filling: A temporary filling is placed to close the access hole in the tooth. This protects the tooth until a final restoration can be completed.
9. Final restoration: After treatment, the tooth may be more fragile since it no longer has living tissue inside. A crown or similar restoration helps protect it from damage and allows it to function like a natural tooth again. This step is usually completed during a separate visit once healing has progressed.

You can usually eat once the numbness from the anaesthetic has fully worn off, which may take a few hours after your appointment. Waiting helps prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

Start with soft foods and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth, especially if a temporary filling has been placed. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods until the final crown or filling is placed. Taking extra care during this time helps protect the tooth while it’s still settling and healing.

Most people can return to work or their usual activities on the same day as their root canal treatment. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t need extended recovery time unless sedation is used.

You may feel mild tenderness around the tooth, especially if it was inflamed before treatment. Taking it easy for the rest of the day can be helpful. However, most people don’t need to adjust their schedule unless their dentist recommends otherwise.

No, bed rest is not usually required after a root canal procedure. Most patients can return to light activities on the same day. However, it is advisable to avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for the remainder of the day to prevent increased blood flow in the area, which can worsen discomfort. 

Proper post-root canal care involves maintaining oral hygiene with particular attention to the area surrounding the affected tooth. It also involves following your dentist’s instructions and attending scheduled follow-up visits. These steps support recovery and help promote timely placement of the final tooth crown after root canal treatment.

After deep tooth decay care, such as root canal therapy, the affected area loses its internal blood supply. As a result, the remaining structure may become more brittle over time. Without protection, the remaining structure becomes more vulnerable to cracking or fracturing, particularly in back teeth that absorb more chewing force.

Delaying the placement of a tooth crown after a root canal treatment can increase the risk of losing the internal seal and reinfection. A crown restores strength and function, supporting the long-term outcome of root canal treatment and helping prevent future complications.