Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment or endodontics diagnoses and treats inflammation of dental pulp and consequences thereof. Root canal treatment is performed on a tooth whose nerve or pulp is infected due to a deep cavity and causes inflammation. The inflammation may have spread to the jaw below the tooth. In this case, the tooth has by that time developed a devitalised nerve and is dead.

During root canal treatment:

  • Damaged nerve is removed.
  • Root canals are cleaned carefully (1-3 canals, sometimes 4).
  • Bacterial infection is treated.
  • Pastes containing calcium promote the recovery of the jaw in the event of a root infection (the recovery of the jaw underneath the root is checked with an X-ray).
  • Root canals are filled and sealed hermetically.
  • Dental crown is restored.The treatment is time-consuming and requires a minimum of 4 appointments. However, the interval between final appointments may be 2-3 months to allow the jawbone time to heal.

What should be taken into account in case of root canal treatment?

Circumstances that hinder and restrict root canal treatment:

  • The anatomy of root canals is very different (roots may be curvy, with narrow areas, ossified, etc.).
  • A tooth that has undergone prior root canal treatment may have closed areas that cannot be opened. Prior treatment has caused steps in the root canal, rarely an instrument has broken off in the canal.
  • The patient has difficulty opening the mouth, quick gag reflex.
  • Pregnancy (successful treatment requires several check-up X-rays).
  • Treatment often requires the patient to take antibiotics.
  • Patient is in unfavourable conditions (exposed to drafts, in the cold…) due to work.
  • Risk of perforating injury on the base of the nerve chamber; root filling may go a little over the tip.

Treatment: In such cases, the situation is always resolved on an individual basis.

  • In up to 10% of the cases, root canal treatment also requires surgical intervention or opening up the root base, cleaning and filling the defect with an alternative substance to the bone.
  • In up to 5% of the cases, root canal treatment is unsuccessful and the tooth has to be removed.

Please find the prices for root canal treatment HERE