To help you prepare for your upcoming visit to our Norwest clinic, we have answered the most common questions regarding our specialist treatments, referral requirements, and payment options. Review the details below so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
If you have a referral letter and any x-rays taken from your previous dentist, these can be extremely helpful to bring to your first appointment. A list of any medical conditions and medications will also help with filling out our medical history forms.
We are located at the Nexus Building in the Norwest Business Park and there is dedicated visitor parking available. Depending on the time of day, the visitor parking bays may be occupied.
Most of our patients are directed to see us by their general dentist, however we are happy to see self-referred patients. Just tell us a little about your concern when you book.
We are a patient focused practice and we believe in performing exceptional treatment in the most calm and pleasant environment. Our staff are experienced and are on standby to make your appointments as pleasant as possible. We also offer happy gas and IV sedation for dentally anxious patients. Please let us know any of your concerns and we are happy to be of service.
Modern root canal treatment should not be painful. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic at our Norwest, Sydney practice, and most patients compare the experience to having a filling. Our endodontist, Dr Varayini Yoganathan, uses a surgical microscope and advanced rotary instruments to ensure precision and comfort throughout every case. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide (happy gas) and IV sedation are available. Let us know when you book so we can arrange the right option for you.
Most root canals at our practice are completed in a single visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The duration depends on which tooth is being treated and how many root canals it contains. Front teeth typically take less time than molars. Some complex cases involving teeth with multiple canals, retreatments, or calcified canals may require a second appointment. Your endodontist will advise you of the expected timeframe before treatment begins.
Root canal costs in Sydney vary depending on the tooth being treated, the complexity of the case, and whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment. Front teeth with a single canal cost less than molars with three or four canals. We accept all major health funds and have a HICAPS machine for instant claims processing. Contact us on 02 9680 4311 for an estimate based on your specific situation.
The most common signs you may need root canal treatment include severe or lingering toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of a tooth, swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth, and a persistent pimple on the gums. These symptoms suggest the nerve inside the tooth may be damaged or infected. Not all of these symptoms guarantee a root canal is needed. Your dentist or endodontist will perform diagnostic tests, including X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment.
Root canal treatment has a very high success rate, but in some cases, a tooth may not heal as expected or new problems may arise years later. If this occurs, retreatment or root end surgery (apicoectomy) can often save the tooth. Our endodontist Dr Varayini Yoganathan has advanced training in both retreatments and surgical endodontic procedures, so patients can access the full range of options at our Norwest clinic.
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional three years of full-time university training specifically in root canal treatment, dental pain diagnosis, and managing tooth trauma. This specialist training means endodontists handle complex cases that go beyond what a general dentist typically performs. Endodontists also use specialised equipment, including surgical operating microscopes and CBCT (3D) imaging, which allows greater precision in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth.
In most cases, a crown is recommended after root canal treatment. A tooth that has had a root canal loses its blood supply and becomes more brittle over time. A crown provides the strength and protection needed to prevent fracture, particularly for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Your general dentist will advise you on the best restoration option after your root canal is complete. We recommend scheduling this within 2 to 4 weeks.
You can safely drive home if you have had local anaesthetic only. If you have had IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and you should not drive for 24 hours afterwards. Please arrange transport in advance if you are having sedation.
Specialist dental treatment costs vary depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. We provide detailed, itemised estimates before any treatment begins so you can make an informed decision with no surprises. Contact us on 02 9680 4311 for an estimate based on your specific needs.
We accept all major private health funds at our Norwest practice and have a HICAPS machine on-site for immediate claims processing. This allows you to only pay the gap on the day. The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover and your fund’s schedule of benefits.
We accept cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, and EFTPOS. Health fund claims can be processed instantly on-site via our HICAPS terminal.
Most of our patients are referred by their general dentist, but a referral is not mandatory. We are happy to see self-referred patients; just tell us the reason for your visit. Having a referral letter and any existing X-rays does help us prepare for your appointment and may reduce the need for additional imaging on the day.
Bring your referral letter and any X-rays from your dentist, a list of current medications, your health fund details, and photo ID. If you do not have a referral, let us know when you book and we will guide you through the process. Arriving 10 minutes early allows time to complete any required paperwork before your consultation.
Call us on 02 9680 4311 or complete the enquiry form on our Contact page to book your appointment. We will schedule you at the earliest available time. If you are in pain, we can usually see you for an assessment within 48 hours.
Please provide at least one business day’s notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list and avoids any cancellation fees.
We prioritise urgent cases such as severe tooth pain, dental trauma, or infection at our Norwest practice. Call us on 02 9680 4311. If you are in pain, we can usually see you for an assessment within 48 hours. That appointment covers diagnosis, pain relief and a clear plan for treatment, with treatment scheduled from there.
Our Norwest practice is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Call us to discuss your scheduling needs.