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Root Canals at Adelaide Dental Spa

Illustration of inside of toothEndodontic therapy — or root canal treatment — is the preferred method of care for teeth that are dying or have an infected nerve. Instead of having the tooth removed, a root canal allows us to save and preserve it for several more years. By saving your natural tooth, you can also maintain normal biting and tooth alignment for optimal aesthetics and TMJ function.

Most root canal treatments are completed right here at Adelaide Dental Spa, rather than referring patients elsewhere.

Root Canal Misconceptions

There’s a common myth that the only thing you need to treat an infected tooth is an antibiotic. Although an antibiotic can help the initial infection to go down, it will eventually come back because there is nowhere for the residual bacteria to go. It can lead to painful recurring abscesses, toothaches, swollen gums or complete deterioration of the tooth.

Getting a root canal helps to treat the source of the pain and infection, rather than lead to additional discomfort. Being that the tooth is numbed, cleaned out, medicated and filled, there is no longer a vital nerve to cause painful toothaches or throbbing that wakes you up at night.


If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, we will need to examine your tooth and take an X-ray of the root. With this added imaging, we can determine if there is an infection inside of the nerve or an abscess that is draining, even if you don’t have a visible pimple on your gums. Be sure to let us know if you’re experiencing symptoms like:

  • Frequent toothaches
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Throbbing around a tooth

  • Large, visible areas of decay
  • Pain medications not helping
  • Being unable to chew on that tooth

When you’re scheduled for endodontic treatment, you can expect a couple of different visits that feel similar to getting a filling or crown. First, we’ll numb the tooth so that it won’t feel sensitive. From there, we’ll clean out the canals and remove all of the infected tissue from inside your tooth. Next a medication is placed inside of the hollow chamber, to eliminate any residual bacteria. Finally, we’ll build up the canals and prep your tooth for a permanent crown. Putting a crown over it will help to distribute pressure, so that any weaker structures don’t chip away or fracture.

In most cases, a root canal is your last line of defence for preserving your tooth. If you have a large cavity that extends into the tooth nerve, we do not recommend a filling or crown without a root canal. Placing one would simply trap the infection inside, leading to recurring abscesses and toothaches. The only other viable alternative to endodontic treatment would be to have your tooth taken out. However, it’s in the best interest of your smile to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.

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* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Root Canal Port Adelaide SA | (08) 8341 1393

Dentist Port Adelaide SA