Endodontic Treatment
Root Canal Treatment in Buderim
Root canal treatment at Sunny Dental Buderim relieves the pain of a tooth infection — saving teeth that might otherwise face extraction. Dr Louis George and Dr Jeremy Collins perform root canal treatment with local anaesthesia and sedation options for patients across the Sunshine Coast.
Why Would a Tooth Need Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp — containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When decay, a crack, repeated dental procedures, or trauma allows bacteria to reach the pulp, infection or inflammation results. Left untreated, this can lead to an abscess, spreading infection, and eventual tooth loss. Root canal treatment removes the infected tissue and saves the tooth.
Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
- • Severe or throbbing toothache, especially at night
- • Prolonged sensitivity to heat that lingers after the stimulus is removed
- • Pain when biting or applying pressure to the tooth
- • Swelling of the gum near the tooth, or a recurring pimple on the gum
- • A tooth that has darkened in colour
- • A tooth that has had significant decay or repeated dental treatment
Some teeth with infected pulp are entirely asymptomatic — regular check-ups with X-rays allow these to be detected before they become emergencies.
The Root Canal Procedure
Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the tooth and surrounding area thoroughly. You should feel pressure, not pain.
A small opening is made through the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
Infected or inflamed pulp tissue is carefully removed. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
The canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed. A temporary or permanent filling closes the access point.
A crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from fracture, as root-canal-treated teeth can become more brittle over time.
Sedation Available
If anxiety about root canal treatment has been putting you off, you are not alone — and you are not stuck. Sunny Dental offers happy gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation with a registered nurse on-site. Under IV sedation, many patients have little or no memory of the procedure. Dr Louis and Dr Jeremy spent most of their careers treating anxious patients, including at Buderim and across the Sunshine Coast. There is a solution for every level of anxiety.
After Treatment
Some soreness and sensitivity for a few days after root canal treatment is normal as the surrounding tissues heal. This is managed with over-the-counter pain relief in most cases. Patients from Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and Mountain Creek who come to us for this treatment are usually surprised by how quickly they feel better — because the source of the original pain (the infection) has been removed. Once the crown is placed, the tooth functions like any other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment has an unfair reputation for pain. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia — the tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed before any work begins. Most patients report that the procedure is far more comfortable than they expected. The pain that leads people to seek root canal treatment is caused by the infection, not the procedure. Sedation options are also available at Sunny Dental.
How do I know if I need root canal treatment?
Common signs include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to heat, pain when biting, swelling or a pimple on the gum near the tooth, or a tooth that has changed colour. However, some teeth with infected pulp are entirely asymptomatic. A dental examination and X-ray will determine whether root canal treatment is necessary.
What happens during root canal treatment?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the root canals. The infected pulp tissue is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. The tooth is then restored — usually with a crown to protect it from fracture.
Is it better to have root canal treatment or extract the tooth?
Preserving your natural tooth is generally preferable where possible. Root canal treatment allows you to keep your tooth, maintains jawbone density, and avoids the need for a dental implant or bridge. Extraction is sometimes unavoidable, but your dentist will discuss both options with you before any decision is made.
How many appointments does root canal treatment take?
Many root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments depending on the complexity of the root canal anatomy and the extent of the infection. A temporary filling may be placed between appointments. The final crown fitting is a separate appointment once the tooth has settled.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
A crown is typically recommended after root canal treatment on back teeth, as the tooth becomes more brittle without its pulp and is at risk of cracking under chewing forces. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling only. Your dentist at Sunny Dental Buderim will advise on the most appropriate restoration for your specific tooth.
Toothache That Won’t Go Away?
Do not leave it. A tooth infection that has reached the pulp will not resolve on its own. Book at Sunny Dental Buderim — we will assess what is happening and discuss your options, including sedation if you are anxious.
All dental treatments carry risks. Outcomes vary between individuals. The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. A clinical examination and X-rays are necessary to assess your individual situation.
Ready to Put Yourself First?
Whether it’s been months or years since your last visit, there’s no better time to start than now. Dr Louis and Dr Jeremy are here.