General dentistry
Root canal treatment in Balwyn.
When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment relieves the pain and keeps your natural tooth in place rather than removing it.
1–2
Visits for most teeth
Numbed
Local anaesthetic throughout
Same day
Emergency pain relief where possible
Natural tooth
Kept rather than extracted
Saving the tooth
Relieving infection, keeping your natural tooth.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria in, causing inflammation or infection — and often significant pain.
Root canal treatment removes the affected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canal system and seals it, so the tooth can stay in function. We explain each stage clearly and take the time you need, particularly if dental treatment makes you anxious.
In pain right now? Call us as early in the day as you can and we'll do our best to see you the same day.
Warning signs
Signs you may need treatment
Some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all — one reason regular check-ups and X-rays matter.
How it happens
Common causes
- 01Deep decay reaching the inner pulp
- 02A cracked or fractured tooth
- 03Repeated procedures on the same tooth
- 04Trauma or injury to a tooth
- 05An untreated, leaking restoration
- 06Advanced gum disease around the root
Leaving it untreated
An infected pulp doesn't heal on its own. Left alone it can spread into the surrounding bone, cause an abscess and often means the tooth has to be removed later — so acting early usually means simpler, cheaper treatment.
Call the practiceThe process
What treatment involves, step by step.
Examination & imaging
We assess the tooth, take X-rays and confirm whether the pulp is infected or inflamed.
Local anaesthetic
The area is fully numbed, so treatment feels similar to having a routine filling.
Cleaning the canals
The infected pulp is removed and the canal system is carefully cleaned and shaped.
Disinfecting & sealing
Canals are disinfected and sealed to help prevent reinfection between visits.
Restoring the tooth
A permanent filling or crown protects the tooth and restores normal function.
Afterwards
Looking after the tooth
- Mild tenderness for a few days is common and usually settles
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until the final restoration is placed
- Keep up gentle brushing and flossing around the tooth
- Attend the review appointment so healing can be checked
Treated teeth can last many years with good care and regular check-ups. We'll book a review so we can confirm everything has healed as expected.
In pain? Talk to us
Send us a note and our reception team will get back to you, usually the same day.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure about something? Call the practice on (03) 9817 7144 and we'll talk it through.
Teeth are made of outer enamel and dentin layers covering an inner dental pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Infection of the dental pulp most commonly occurs when bacteria enter the tooth due to tooth decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Damage to the enamel and dentin allows bacteria to reach the pulp. Once infected, the pulp may become inflamed, and the infection can extend through the root canal system to the surrounding tissues.
Ready to feel good about your dental care?
Book your next appointment with Tower Dental in Balwyn.