Root canal treatment – the treatment, the symptoms and how it works
A root canal is done when the nerve inside a tooth is inflamed or infected. The dentist cleans out the root canals, fills them with a sealing material and restores the tooth, with the aim of letting you keep it. The treatment is done under anaesthetic and is usually finished in a single visit. With us a root canal costs 3 990 SEK for members. Read more about root canal treatment at Dentme.
”We focus on making the root canal as painless, thorough and safe as possible – so that you can keep your tooth for life.” – says Arman Ostovan, Chief Dentist at Dentme
What is a root canal?
A root canal means that the pulp of the tooth – the innermost part, with nerves and blood vessels – is removed. Once the root canals have been cleaned they are filled with a sealing material that stops bacteria getting back in. That makes it possible to keep the tooth for many years, often for the rest of your life.
When is a root canal needed?
A root canal may be needed if:
· Caries has reached the pulp of the tooth
· The tooth has been damaged by a blow or a fracture
· A tooth infection or abscess has developed
· Old fillings have let bacteria in
· The tooth is dead or discoloured
Signs that you may need a root canal
· Sharp twinges
· Persistent toothache
· Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
· A bad taste in the mouth or pus forming
Treating the tooth quickly reduces the risk of complications such as an infection in the jawbone.
How does a root canal work?
The treatment happens in several steps and is usually finished in a single visit:
1. Examination and X-ray
The dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess the shape and depth of the root canal.
2. Anaesthetic and isolation
You are given a local anaesthetic. The tooth is isolated with a rubber dam to keep the area clean.
3. Cleaning the root canals
Inflamed or infected tissue is removed. The root canals are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly, sometimes with the help of a microscope for greater precision.
4. Filling and sealing
The canals are filled with a bacteria-tight material (often gutta-percha). The tooth is then sealed with a filling or, if needed, a crown to strengthen it.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal is usually finished in a single visit. In a few cases more visits are needed, depending on the condition of the tooth.
Does a root canal hurt?
The treatment is always done under anaesthetic and is usually painless. Afterwards you may feel a mild tenderness, which normally passes within a few days with over-the-counter painkillers.
How long does a root-filled tooth last?
A root-filled tooth can last for many years, often for life, especially if you:
· Have good oral hygiene
· Avoid chewing hard on the tooth
· Visit the dentist regularly
Teeth that have been root filled often become more brittle, because the tooth has no blood supply after the procedure. That is why a crown is sometimes recommended as protection against fractures.
Drawbacks and risks of a root canal
In a few cases several visits are needed, and the tooth can be tender for a few days afterwards. Root-filled teeth also often become more brittle and sometimes need a crown as protection. The result cannot be guaranteed. The tooth can crack or develop a new infection even when the treatment has been carried out correctly. If the root filling has to be redone, that is not included in the price.
What does a root canal cost?
At Dentme you get a root canal at cost price, 3 990 SEK, and that price includes the examination, the planning, emergency treatment and carrying out the root filling.
In a few individual cases a referral to a specialist in endodontics may be needed.
· The position of the tooth (front tooth or molar)
· The number of root canals (front teeth usually have one canal, molars can have several)
· Whether a crown is needed afterwards
· The dentist's fee
The price is usually between 6 000 and 15 000 SEK. You always get a cost estimate in connection with the examination.
What alternatives are there to a root canal?
If the tooth cannot be saved, or if you decide against a root canal, there are alternatives:
· Extraction – the tooth is removed
· Dental implant – an artificial root is placed in the jawbone
· Post crown or bridge – replaces the lost tooth
Your dentist always goes through all the options with you before a decision is made.
Sources Dentme uses:
1177 Vårdguiden - Root canal treatment
https://www.1177.se/undersokning-behandling/tandvard/rotfyllning/
https://www.1177.se/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tander/tandvark/
Colgate Professional - Root Canal Treatment Explained
https://www.colgateprofessional.com/dental-resources/patient-education/root-canal-treatmen
American Association of Endodontists (AAE) - Root Canal Treatment
https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/
American Association of Endodontists (AAE) - Root Canal Explained
https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
European Society of Endodontology (ESE) - Patient Resources
https://www.e-s-e.eu/for-patients/patient-resources/
European Society of Endodontology (ESE) - Benefits of Endodontic Therapies
https://www.e-s-e.eu/for-patients/benefits-of-endodontic-therapies/
Framtidens tandvård är här!
Book a visit
