The good news is that thanks to breakthroughs in therapy and modern technology, teeth are more likely to be saved. Root canal therapy, for example, is a common endodontic procedure that can save a tooth that has been severely injured. An alternative to extraction, root canal therapy involves drilling deep inside the tooth to remove active decay and infection from the roots. The remaining teeth and roots are then filled in to preserve them.
Root canals are not always painful procedures, but they require special attention from experienced dentists like our Ellenbrook dentist. You will be treated with the utmost respect and care by our team that has extensive experience performing root canal therapies.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, root canal therapy might be necessary:
A root canal therapy procedure is typically performed in three dental appointments, with each dental visit lasting 30 to 90 minutes.
First visit: Your dentist or endodontist will take x-rays of the infected tooth, numb it, and extract the infected pulp. Afterwards, the tooth root is filled with a root canal filling material called gutta-percha.
Second visit: Your dentist or endodontist will clean, shape, and seal the root canal.
Third visit: Your dentist or endodontist will restore your tooth with an artificial crown.
A root canal therapy is performed to save your tooth. However, in some instances, the damage to the enamel is too severe, or the enamel is too fragile to sustain the process and can result in tooth loss.
There is also the risk of developing an abscess, a pocket of pus, at the tooth root if there is remaining infected material.
The average root canal cost depends on several factors, such as how many canal spaces need to be filled and whether or not a dental crown is needed. Treatment for one canal with a root canal filling material costs between $600 and $750, while the cost of treatment for one canal with a dental crown ranges from $2,300 to $2,850.
A root canal procedure is generally safe and effective. As with any dental procedure, a root canal can fail, albeit rarely. Root canals can fail days, weeks, or even years after the dental treatment. Here are some symptoms of a failed root canal treatment:
The success rate of root canals varies from 85% to over 95%. Missed canals, residual tissue, or bacterial leakage are the most common reasons for root canal therapy failure. The best way to avoid root canal failure is to have it done by a qualified health practitioner who has the necessary skills, training, and experience.
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