What is Root Canal Therapy?

This procedure is required when a tooth is heavily affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria and any decay are removed. After cleaning and re-shaping the canal cavity, fillers are inserted to prevent bacteria from re-entering the nerve system. Most often root canals are performed to retain functionality and aesthetics within a tooth. Many patients believe removing a tooth that has problems is the only solution. However, restoring a natural tooth with therapy can be cheaper than implants and cause less problems for adjacent teeth. Root Canal Therapy is also known as Endodontic treatment.

When is root canal treatment needed?

Root canal treatment may be recommended when the inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental work, or trauma. Common signs that root canal treatment in Geelong may be needed include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, tenderness, or discomfort when biting.

What happens during root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the canal, and then sealing it to prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored, often with a filling or crown, to protect its structure and function. At Geelong Dental Centre, we take a gentle and measured approach, explaining each step of the process so you know what to expect.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and most patients find the experience similar to having a routine filling. After treatment, some mild tenderness may occur, but this usually settles within a few days and can be managed with simple pain relief.

Why save the natural tooth?

Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is the best outcome for your long term oral health. Root canal treatment allows an infected or damaged tooth to be treated and retained, rather than removed. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing and biting function and supports the natural alignment of your surrounding teeth. When a tooth is lost, neighbouring teeth can gradually shift into the empty space, which may affect your bite, jaw comfort and overall oral health over time.

What happens at a children's dental appointment?

A children’s dental visit at our Geelong dental clinic usually includes a gentle examination, professional clean, and advice on brushing and flossing. Depending on your child’s needs, fluoride treatments or fissure sealants may also be recommended.

Do you offer bulk billed dental care through Medicare for children?

Yes, we bulk bill eligible children under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule. This government program provides financial support for basic dental services for eligible children aged 0 to 17 years. If your child is eligible, Medicare may cover the cost of services such as check ups, cleans, X rays, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, fillings and extractions, up to the available benefit limit. For more information, visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule

How do I check if my child is eligible for Medicare dental benefits?

You can check your child’s eligibility by contacting Medicare directly or through your myGov account. If you are unsure, contact our friendly team and we can check eligibility for you. Check eligibility here.

Clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be trapped between your teeth or just under your gum line. If your tooth continues to hurt, see our Geelong dentist as soon as possible.

The most common causes are a cracked or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or an infection. Only a thorough examination by your dentist can determine the underlying cause of severe pain. Until you see our emergency dentist in Geelong, apply ice to the painful area for 10-20 minutes every hour. To alleviate pain, take painkillers as directed on the packaging label.

Do not move your jaw. Secure your jaw in place with a handkerchief, necktie, or towel tied around the jaw and over the top of the head. Use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Go to the hospital emergency room immediately.

Carefully insert a piece of dental floss or toothpick between your teeth. Be gentle so you do not cut the gum tissue. If you are unable to remove the object, see our emergency dentist as soon as possible.

A Child’s Baby Tooth Call your dentist right away. If the child’s baby tooth is completely knocked out, chances are it cannot be re-implanted. If this happens, the missing tooth will be replaced naturally when the child’s permanent (adult) tooth grows. A Permanent (Adult) Tooth You have a 1-2 hour window in which your tooth has a chance for re-implantation – only your Dentist can tell you for sure. Take the following steps and see your Dentist right away. Remember to take your protected tooth with you. For the Injured Person: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it. Apply gauze to the area and use firm pressure to stop the bleeding. Try to find the missing tooth right away. When the bleeding stops, apply a cold compress to the injured area to minimize swelling. If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of constant, firm pressure, see your dentist or go to the emergency room. Place the tooth in a small container and cover it with milk, water with a pinch of salt, or saliva from the injured person. For the broken tooth: Hold the tooth only by its crown (the enamel, visible portion). If the tooth or root is dirty, place a towel or dishcloth in a sink (so the tooth cannot fall into the drain), and gently rinse the tooth and root but DO NOT SCRUB it or remove any gum tissue that may still be attached to the root. If possible, gently place the tooth back into its gum socket facing the correct direction (making sure that you do not force the tooth back in place). You can use alfoil to cover it and help hold it in place by folding over the lost tooth and the tooth next to it until you can get to the dentist. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container and cover the tooth in milk, or water with a pinch of salt, or saliva from the injured person.

Lost Filling or Crown

Schedule an appointment with our dentist. You can relieve pain caused by air in contact with the exposed part of your tooth by using clove oil (available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets). Just dip a cotton swab in clove oil and apply it to the exposed part of your tooth. Filling: To make your tooth more comfortable, fill the hole in your tooth with tooth wax or cement (available over the counter at your pharmacy). Do not use any household adhesives in your mouth. Crown: If you found the crown, you may temporarily replace it yourself until you see your dentist. Gently clean any debris from the inside of your crown. To the inside of your crown, apply denture adhesive, dental cement, or toothpaste before slipping the crown back in place to protect your tooth.

Pain, swelling, or abscess

See our emergency dentist right away because gum pain or swelling can be the symptoms of an abscess (infection) that forms in gum tissue or in a tooth’s root and the area that surrounds it. There are many reasons why gums can swell, become painful, or have abscesses. Only a thorough exam with a dentist can identify the underlying cause. If the abscess ruptures, you may experience a sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting fluid from the swollen or painful area. Rinse your mouth with warm water immediately.

General Dentistry Archives » Geelong Dental Centre

Sleep Apnoea Appliances

By Ekera Dental | 15 January 2026

sleep apnoea treatment Geelong - dental appliance for sleep apnoea

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea There are several treatment options available for obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring. These may include CPAP therapy or oral appliances, depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. One commonly used oral appliance is a Mandibular Advancement Splint. This appliance works by gently positioning the lower jaw forward…

Root Canal Treatment

By Ekera Dental | 15 January 2026

Relieving tooth pain while saving your natural tooth Root canal treatment is a common and effective way to relieve tooth pain and save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Many people feel nervous when they hear the words “root canal,” but modern techniques mean the procedure is far more comfortable than its…

Children’s Dentistry

By Ekera Dental | 14 January 2026

kids' dentist in geelong - geelong dental centre

Common questions from parents Parents often ask us what to expect when bringing their children to the dentist, how to care for little teeth at home, and when the right time is to start. To make things easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below. When should my child first see a dentist?…

Dentures

By AscetDigitalAdmin | 19 November 2024

When are dentures recommended? Dentures may be recommended when teeth are lost due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other health-related reasons. Depending on your situation, your Geelong dentist will talk with you about whether partial or full dentures are the most suitable option for restoring your smile and oral function. Full Dentures Full dentures…

Wisdom Teeth

By Anet Varghese | 5 September 2023

When do wisdom teeth need to be removed? Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. However, removal may be recommended if your wisdom teeth are causing pain, crowding, repeated infections, or are difficult to clean. During your consultation, your Geelong dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays to understand the position of…

Emergency Dentist

By Anet Varghese | 5 September 2023

When to see an emergency dentist in Geelong? You should contact Geelong Dental Centre as soon as possible if you experience: Severe or persistent tooth pain A knocked out or loose tooth A chipped, cracked or fractured tooth Swelling of the face, gums or jaw A dental abscess or infection A lost filling, crown or…

Check-up & Clean

By Anet Varghese | 5 September 2023

teeth cleaning in geelong with a geelong dentist at Geelong Dental Centre

What to expect during your appointment with our Geelong dentist? During your check-up, we will perform a detailed assessment of your overall oral health. We take a personalised approach to ensure nothing is overlooked and that your care is tailored to your needs. Depending on your circumstances, your check-up may include: Gum Health Assessment Checking…

General Dentistry

Sleep Apnoea Appliances

Root Canal Treatment

Children’s Dentistry

Dentures

Wisdom Teeth

Emergency Dentist

Check-up & Clean

Ready to schedule your appointment?

We accept all private health funds & government cards

LOCATION

FIND US

PHONE

EMAIL