Root Canal Treatment
Save Your Natural Tooth. Relieve Your Pain. Protect Your Smile.
A painful or infected tooth doesn't always need to be removed. At Wheelers Hill Dental, Dr Teong Soo Saw has been helping patients save their natural teeth for decades with gentle, modern root canal treatment.
Using advanced techniques and a caring approach, our goal is to eliminate infection, relieve pain and restore your tooth so you can continue smiling and eating with confidence.
Many patients are surprised to discover that modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a routine filling.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside every tooth is a small chamber containing nerves and blood vessels called the dental pulp. When bacteria enter this area through deep decay, cracks, trauma or large fillings, the pulp becomes infected.
Without treatment the infection may spread, causing severe pain, swelling, an abscess and eventually tooth loss.
Root canal treatment removes the infected tissue, disinfects the canals and seals the tooth so it can continue functioning for many years.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should arrange an examination:
Severe toothache
Pain when chewing
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Swollen gums
A pimple or abscess on the gum
Tooth discolouration
Facial swelling
Tenderness when touching the tooth
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental examinations remain important.
Common Causes of Tooth Nerve Infection
Root canal treatment is commonly required because of:
Deep tooth decay
Cracked teeth
Broken fillings
Trauma or sporting injuries
Worn teeth
Repeated dental procedures
Untreated dental infections
Early treatment usually results in a simpler procedure and a better long-term outcome.
Our Root Canal Procedure
Comprehensive Assessment
Your appointment begins with a thorough examination, digital X-rays and a discussion of your symptoms.
Comfortable Anaesthetic
The tooth is completely numbed before treatment begins to ensure your comfort.
Cleaning the Infection
The infected pulp is carefully removed and each canal is cleaned, shaped and disinfected.
Sealing the Tooth
The canals are permanently sealed with a specialised material that prevents bacteria from returning.
Protecting Your Tooth
Most root canal treated teeth benefit from a custom-made porcelain crown to restore strength and reduce the risk of fracture.
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
One of the biggest myths in dentistry is that root canal treatment is painful.
The truth is that root canal treatment relieves pain rather than causes it.
Modern local anaesthetic, gentle techniques and advanced equipment mean most patients compare the experience to having a normal filling.
After treatment, mild tenderness for a few days is normal and usually settles with simple pain relief.
Why Save Your Natural Tooth?
Saving your own tooth offers many advantages:
Eliminates infection
Relieves pain
Preserves your natural bite
Prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting
Maintains chewing function
Avoids extraction
Often avoids more expensive tooth replacement options
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is usually the healthiest long-term solution.
Root Canal or Extraction?
Although extraction may appear quicker, replacing a missing tooth often requires a dental implant, bridge or denture.
Root canal treatment allows you to keep your own tooth, which is usually the most conservative and cost-effective option when the tooth can be restored.
Caring for Your Tooth Afterwards
Following treatment we recommend:
Avoid chewing on the tooth until it has been permanently restored.
Brush and floss as normal.
Attend your review appointment.
Have your recommended crown placed promptly.
Continue regular dental examinations and cleans.
With proper care, many root canal treated teeth last for decades.
Why Choose Wheelers Hill Dental?
For over 45 years, families throughout Wheelers Hill and Melbourne's south-east have trusted Dr Teong Soo Saw for gentle, high-quality dental care.
Our practice offers:
Experienced and gentle treatment
Modern digital X-rays
Careful diagnosis
Comfortable local anaesthetic
Conservative dentistry focused on saving natural teeth
Personalised treatment plans
Friendly, family-focused care
Frequently Asked Questions
How many appointments will I need?
Many root canal treatments can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the tooth.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Most back teeth should receive a crown after root canal treatment to restore strength and reduce the risk of fracture.
Can a root canal fail?
Root canal treatment has an excellent success rate, although occasionally retreatment may be required if infection returns.
Is extraction ever a better option?
If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may be recommended. During your consultation, Dr Saw will explain all available treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
Book Your Root Canal Consultation
If you're experiencing tooth pain, swelling or sensitivity, don't delay treatment. Early intervention can often save your tooth and prevent more extensive dental work.
Contact Wheelers Hill Dental today to arrange your comprehensive examination and find out whether root canal treatment is the right solution for you.