Root Canal Treatment
Signs and Symptoms
If you are experiencing a severe toothache, tooth sensitivity, a loose tooth, tooth darkening, swelling of gums or pus around a tooth, you may need a root canal treatment and should seek the advice of a dentist.
Why do I need a Root Canal?
If the Dental Pulp of a tooth is damaged, it can result in an abscess (pocket of puss at the root of the tooth) or infection. To treat this infection and avoid a tooth extraction, a Root Canal is required.
Process of a Root Canal
- An X-ray is taken of the tooth to check the positioning of the nerve in each root, establishing the viability of the procedure.
- A local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area.
- A hole is drilled in the tooth to remove the Dental Pulp.
- All canals (1-4 depending on the tooth) will be cleaned, shaped and disinfected (this may take more than one appointment to achieve. If more than one appointment is needed, the dentist will temporarily fill the tooth to protect it between appointments.)
- The canal space is filled with a substance called gutta-percha (a rubber like substance).
- A filling or crown is placed on the tooth.
Aftercare
Immediately following the procedure, you will experience numbing around the tooth. Normal oral hygiene should be maintained following a Root Canal treatment. Regular brushing and flossing and regular Dental checkups should be continued.
Appointments
To make an appointment, simply call us on 1300 492 492 and select option 2. We operate a flexible appointment schedule and will accept urgent appointments; however, it may not be with your usual dentist. Should you require a translator or interpreter, please let us know and we will arrange a time convenient to book one for you.
Before attending your appointment, make sure you have your applicable health care and/or concession cards (e.g. Medicare Card, Department of Veterans' Affairs Card etc.) with you. If you have Private Health Insurance and are eligible for claims, please bring your Private Health Insurance Card with you as well.
If you need to cancel an appointment, we ask that you try and give 24 hours notice. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment may incur a cancellation fee. To cancel an appointment, simply call us on 1300 492 492.
Upon arrival at our IWC Health and Wellbeing Centre in Bundaberg, make your way to our Dental Practice reception, which is located on Ground Floor of Building 1. The Receptionist will check your contact and other details on each visit to assist in maintaining accurate records. Consultations usually take 30 minutes, however, longer appointments are available where required.
Opening hours
| Day | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Public Holidays | Closed | Closed |
Billing
Our practice offers bulk-billing for Child Benefit Dental Services (CBDS) patients who meet certain criteria, and holders of Hospital Dental Vouchers supplied by Queensland Health. DVA cardholders are also accepted. Please check your eligibility with our staff before booking an appointment.
We also accept eligible Private Health Insurance claims. Our practice also accepts Afterpay.
For more information on consultation fees and other costs, please contact us.