Root Canal Treatment in Prestons

Relieve the pain and keep your natural tooth

Root Canal Treatment at Star Light Dental

Throbbing Toothache? A Root Canal Can Save the Tooth

Inside every tooth is a soft core of nerves and blood vessels called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack or a knock lets bacteria in, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, and that is what causes the deep, throbbing pain that keeps people awake at night. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it so the tooth can stay in your mouth.

Root canal treatment has a reputation it no longer deserves. With modern local anaesthetic it should feel much like having a filling, and it is the treatment that takes the pain away, not the cause of it.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

A toothache that throbs, lingers or wakes you at night
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts long after the food or drink is gone
Pain when you bite or press on the tooth
A pimple on the gum, swelling or a bad taste near the tooth
A tooth that has turned grey or dark after a knock
A deep filling, crack or broken tooth that has started to ache

Sometimes an infected tooth stops hurting because the nerve has died. The infection is still there and can flare into an abscess, so a tooth that was very painful and then went quiet still needs to be checked. Facial swelling, fever or trouble swallowing is an emergency: call us on (02) 9432 2833 or see our emergency dentist in Prestons page.

Root Canal or Extraction?

Why Saving the Tooth Is Usually Worth It

Taking the tooth out is the other way to clear the infection, and sometimes it is the right call. But a gap brings its own problems: the teeth next to it drift, chewing on that side gets harder, and replacing the tooth later with an implant or bridge costs more than saving it would have.

As a rule, if the tooth has enough sound structure left and healthy bone around it, keeping it is the better long-term choice. If the tooth is cracked through the root or too broken down to rebuild, we will tell you honestly and go through your replacement options.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment

Step by Step, With No Surprises

Examination and X-ray. We test the tooth and take an X-ray to see the shape of the roots and how far the infection has spread. You are given the cost before treatment starts.
Numbing. The tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. If you are anxious, sedation is available.
Cleaning the canals. A small rubber sheet keeps the tooth clean and dry. We make a small opening in the top of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, then clean, shape and disinfect each canal.
Sealing. The canals are filled with a rubber-like material and the tooth is sealed. Depending on the tooth and the infection, this takes one visit or is spread over two or three.
Rebuilding the tooth. A back tooth that has had root canal treatment is more brittle, so it usually needs a dental crown to protect it from cracking. Front teeth often only need a filling.

If your tooth has unusually curved or blocked canals, or an earlier root canal has failed, we may refer you to an endodontist (a root canal specialist) and will explain why.

Aftercare, Costs and Health Funds

What to Expect Afterwards

It is normal for the tooth to feel tender for a few days, especially when biting. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough. Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the final filling or crown is in place, and call us if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better.

The cost depends on which tooth it is. Molars have three or four canals and take longer than front teeth. You receive a written quote first.
Most health funds cover root canal treatment under major dental. We claim on the spot, so you only pay the gap.
NSW government dental vouchers are accepted for the treatment they authorise. See how vouchers work.
Medipay and Afterpay payment plans are available.

Other Ways We Can Help

When It Is Not a Root Canal

Not every toothache needs root canal treatment. Depending on what we find, the answer may be simpler:

Emergency dentist for severe pain, swelling or a broken tooth
Dental fillings for decay caught early
Crowns and bridges to rebuild a weak or broken tooth
Wisdom teeth removal when the pain is at the very back
Gum disease treatment

Not sure what is causing the pain? Book a check-up and we will find out.

Helpful guides from our blog:

Why Choose Star Light Dental for Root Canal Treatment

Seen quickly — Same-day emergency appointments most days, so you are not left in pain.
Gentle and unhurried — Thorough numbing, a calm pace, and sedation available if you are anxious.
Experienced care — Three dentists, led by 34 years of experience in restorative dentistry.
Affordable & local — In Prestons, with all health funds, government vouchers, Medipay and Afterpay.

We welcome all health funds and government dental vouchers, and offer Medipay and Afterpay payment plans.

What our patients say about us

Here is what our happy patients have to say about our professional services and their time at Star Light Dental

Star Light Dental, led by Dr. Maher, is a beacon of excellence in dental care! Dr. Maher's expertise, coupled with his genuine care and compassion, truly sets him apart as a standout dentist. From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I felt welcomed and at ease.

Rob Critic

Local Guide

Rated 5 out of 5

Dr. Maher is a very caring professional dentist, he did a general checking up for my kids, he was genuinely nice to them and he provided a great service.

Caroline Issac

Rated 5 out of 5

We visited this dentist surgery for the second time today my husband had a clean and check up I had mine checked and cleaned 2 weeks ago. we were very happy with Dr Maher Farag he was very polite, very professional and gentle, the staff was also very professional too. we will be using this dentist from now on thank you very much Star Light Dental. Julide and Ziyad Yolacan

Julide Yolacan

Local Guide

Rated 5 out of 5