What is Root Canal Treatment? Fee Guide
Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is the only means of saving a tooth in which the nerves and blood vessels within the tooth have been damaged or have died. The damage may have been caused by deep decay, a crack or trauma.
Why has your dentist referred you?
Root canal treatment (and especially re-treatment) can be a complex and demanding procedure. Your dentist has decided that it is in your best interest to have your endodontic treatment carried out by an endodontist who has the particular expertise and equipment to carry out these procedures.
How is the treatment carried out?
The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria and infected contents of the root canals and to disinfect the inside of the tooth. Once this has been completed and the tooth is free of infection, the root canals are then filled and sealed with a filling to prevent reinfection
What are the alternatives?
If root canal treatment is not done, then the tooth has to be extracted. Even though you may not have any symptoms at the time, failure to eradicate infection may lead to sudden formation of a painful abscess and spread of the infection which may be more difficult to treat and take longer to heal.
Is the treatment painful?
NO. Local anaesthetic is used at every stage of the procedure to ensure your comfort. Following treatment, the tooth may feel a little tender for a few days, but this can be normally controlled with the same medication that you might use
for a headache.
How long does treatment take?
This is according to the complexity of the root canals and any problems that are encountered. To achieve success it is important that the procedure is not rushed. For a back tooth a one to one and a half hour appointment is usually required on the first visit; further time required can be gauged at the end of this appointment.
Sometimes it is possible to complete treatment in one visit. It may be necessary to follow up the treatment on a regular basis to monitor healing.
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