Root canal treatments are a very common dental procedure and one we perform regularly at Underwood Dental Care. The treatment is typically straightforward and can be done with minimal discomfort.
However, some patients can still be nervous about what to expect and it’s not uncommon for patients to tell us they have been putting off treatment for a toothache because they are anxious they might need a root canal.
The reality is that a root canal treatment is not to be feared, only requiring some local anaesthetic. Modern dental techniques mean that root canals are more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Considering the fast relief from pain and discomfort it offers, getting treatment is something many patients wish they had done sooner.
As a general rule, if you are experiencing a toothache or any ongoing discomfort with your teeth, the sooner you get dental treatment, the simpler your treatment is likely to be.
Explaining what’s involved with a root canal treatment is usually enough to put our patients at ease. And some information on what to expect with a root canal treatment is what I want to share with you now.
I’ll answer some common questions we get asked about the average time needed, when multiple visits are required, and what we advise for a fast and smooth recovery.
When is a Root Canal Treatment Needed?
A root canal treatment is commonly required to save a tooth that is heavily damaged or infected. The first thing your dentist will be looking to do is remove any infected pulp. Pulp is the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels in the innermost layer of the tooth. The pulp can become infected when it is exposed as a result of a large untreated cavity, or a crack as a result of other damage. Here are some of the symptoms of a root canal infection.
The exposed area around the infected pulp is cleaned and disinfected and then sealed to protect against future infection. Once this is complete, any pain caused by the infection or damage to the tooth should also be alleviated.
As long as we get to see a patient before a tooth is damaged beyond repair, the natural tooth can be kept in place and will not need extraction.
How Long Does a Root Canal Treatment Take?
There is not a “one size fits all” answer to this question as there are several factors to consider so a root canal treatment may require between one and three visits.
Three Factors Influencing Root Canal Duration
Severity of Infection
The severity of the infection needs to be considered in how the root canal treatment is performed. A more severe infection might require additional cleaning and disinfection, and in those cases, more than one visit to the dentist is required.
Type of Tooth
Not all teeth have the same number of canals. Molars often have more canals than incisors and the more canals there are the longer treatment will take. For example, a molar will usually require more treatment time and visits compared to treating other types of teeth.
Location of the Tooth
Another influencing factor is the precise location of the tooth. A molar that is located at the very back of the mouth can be harder to access. As such, the location of the tooth can increase the complexity and duration of the procedure.
If you require a root canal, your dentist will be able to assess the above factors prior to commencing treatment. So you will know exactly what to expect in terms of visits and time required to complete treatment.
For some patients, the procedure is completed in one visit. More complex cases may require multiple appointments, sometimes up to three visits. We want to make sure the tooth requiring treatment has been thoroughly cleaned and restored to prevent any future issues.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Before starting a root canal treatment, we often take one or more x-rays to examine the structure of the tooth being treated. An x-ray can also help reveal damage or infection not visible to the naked eye.
At this stage we will be able to let you know how long your root canal will take and if multiple visits will be required.
Next step is to make sure the area being treated is numb so there is minimal to no pain or discomfort during treatment. A local anaesthetic is all that is required in the vast majority of cases.
Once the area requiring treatment is numb, your dentist will carefully remove any infected pulp from inside the tooth.
With the pulp removed, we then thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth to make sure that no bacteria remains. The tooth is disinfected to make sure infection will not return.
The cleaned space is filled and the tooth is sealed to ensure it is protected from contamination.
In cases requiring more than one visit, a temporary filling can be placed with the permanent restoration completed at the final visit.
Why Some Root Canals Require Multiple Visits
As I mentioned earlier, the complexity of the tooth structure plays a significant role in determining how many visits are required. A tooth that has multiple roots or particularly complicated root canals might need more cleaning time and time to repair.
In the case of widespread infection, your dentist may need more sessions to be 100% sure the infection has completely been eradicated. The last thing you would want is some remaining infection that causes future issues. By performing the root canal procedure in more than one visit, your dentist can monitor progress and ensure the best possible outcome for your long term dental health.
Pain and Recovery Time
I started off this article by mentioning that some patients are nervous about the pain that might be involved with a root canal treatment.
Rest assured that modern dental techniques and equipment mean that a root canal treatment is similar, in terms of comfort levels, to getting a filling. Once local anaesthesia has been applied, the rest of the procedure is virtually painless.
When returning home after treatment, patients can take over the counter pain relief if there is any discomfort but many patients tell us they don’t even need to do that. A cold pack held over the area may also be soothing and limit any swelling.
The majority of patients will be able to return to all normal activities and life as usual the next day or two. The treated tooth should be completely healed and functioning as normal within a few weeks. If you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist, you should have a fast, smooth recovery.
The Cost of a Root Canal Treatment
As I’ve explained in this article, not all root canal treatments are the same. The exact treatment cost will be determined by the location of the tooth being treated and the complexity of the procedure required.
At Underwood Dental Care the typical cost of a root canal treatment will be between $800 to $1500 which is among the most affordable prices in Brisbane. Your dentist will discuss the cost with you prior to commencing treatment so there won’t be any surprises.
That price is before any rebates that may be available from your health fund. We are a preferred provider for many leading health funds including Bupa and NIB. You can check with your insurer if you are eligible for a rebate on a root canal treatment before you visit us. Or, we can check if you are eligible for a rebate at the time of your appointment.
The Value of a Root Canal Treatment
Saving your natural tooth is almost always better for your oral health rather than going down the path of extraction and then needing an implant or other solution. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain the structure of your jaw and mouth and assists with chewing and speaking. Add to that, if a tooth is left untreated for too long and an extraction and implant are required, the cost to do that is much higher.
So a root canal treatment is not only good for your dental health, it’s also more cost-effective than alternatives such as extraction and the need for an implant.
A root canal treatment is a routine treatment that can quickly alleviate pain, resolve infection, and save a natural tooth. When a root canal is needed, the sooner it is done the easier it is and the better the outcome.
The Importance of Tooth Restoration
Depending on the extent of a cavity or damage to the tooth that led to the need for a root canal treatment, additional restoration of the tooth is sometimes required.
The root canal treatment itself can last a lifetime, but it’s crucial we restore the tooth properly to protect the tooth. A filling is sometimes all that is needed but in many cases we may recommend a crown as well to strengthen the treated tooth. A recent study revealed that a tooth restored with filling and crown after a root canal treatment had a median survival time of 20.1 years compared to just 6.5 years for a tooth that received no additional restorative work.
Your dentist will advise you if any additional restoration is needed.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Hopefully, I have helped dispel the myth that a root canal treatment is something to be feared.
If you ever need a root canal treatment, rest assured it is a routine treatment that offers great value and great dental outcomes.
Article by Dr Ben Thai – Principal Dentist at Underwood Dental Care