A root canal specialist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the root canals inside the tooth, and then fills and seals them. To protect the tooth and restore its full functionality, the tooth needs a crown or other restoration after root canal treatment. After that, the tooth functions like any other tooth.
Frequently asked questions
The purpose of many root canal procedures is to relieve pain caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Modern techniques and pain relief methods make the procedures as comfortable as possible for the patient. During the first few days after treatment, the tooth may be sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before treatment. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Be sure to follow the instructions given by your dentist carefully.
A tooth that has not been fully restored is prone to cracking, so you should visit your dentist as soon as possible for full restoration of the tooth. Most teeth that have undergone root canal treatment last as long as normal teeth. Sometimes, although rarely, a tooth may become painful again even years after successful treatment. In such cases, another root canal treatment may save the tooth.
A new infection may be caused by trauma, deep decay, a loose, cracked, or leaking filling. In some cases, a root canal specialist may discover very narrow and/or curved canals that were initially left untreated.
Most teeth can be treated.
A tooth cannot be saved in the following cases:
- the root canals are not accessible
- there is a serious crack in the root
- the tooth does not have adequate bone support (the tooth is very loose)
- the tooth cannot be restored.
However, modern and advancing root canal technology makes it possible to save teeth that would have had to be removed just a few years ago. If root canal treatment is ineffective, microsurgical root canal treatment may save the tooth.
The most common microsurgical operation is called an apicoectomy or root-end resection. It is also often referred to as cyst removal. This procedure is necessary in cases of persistent inflammation or infection when root canal treatment has not been successful, or when posts have been placed inside the tooth and cannot be removed. During this procedure, the gum is opened to expose the tooth root, after which the infected tissue is removed. The tip of the root is removed, and a filling is placed inside the canal. Local anesthesia makes the procedure comfortable, and most patients return to their usual activities as early as the next day.
Sometimes this is the simplest and most affordable way to save a tooth.
If the tooth pulp is damaged or inflamed, the only alternative to root canal treatment is complete tooth extraction. To restore chewing function and prevent the other teeth from shifting, the extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or an implant. This requires surgery or procedures involving healthy adjacent teeth, which may be more expensive and time-consuming than root canal treatment and restoration of the natural tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements may be, nothing is as good as a natural tooth.
The cost of the procedure depends on whether it is a front tooth or a back tooth with more complex anatomy. The price also depends on whether it is an initial treatment or retreatment, and whether root canal treatment alone is sufficient or additional surgical procedures are required. We will inform you of the exact cost after reviewing your specific situation.