Root canal treatment

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment helps prevent tooth loss, which can be risky in cases of advanced caries or infection. Furthermore, the treatment results in avoiding further infection of surrounding tissues and deterioration of overall health. A successful root canal treatment allows the patient to enjoy all the functions of their tooth, including chewing, biting and aesthetic appearance, while retaining their own tooth.

What is the purpose of root canal treatment?

When is root canal treatment necessary?

Root canal treatment is usually needed if the tooth socket is infected or inflamed. This may be due to deep decay, repeated dental work on the tooth, a crack or fracture in the tooth, or an injury to the tooth. Typical symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to cold or heat, discolouration in the tooth, and swelling and pain in the gums around the tooth.

What types of root canal treatment are there?

Microscopic root canal treatment
Manual root canal treatment
Mechanical root canal treatment

Microscopic root canal treatment is a modern, high-precision procedure using a dental microscope. This technology allows the dentist to work under high magnification and increased illumination, which significantly improves the quality and accuracy of root canal treatment.

Advantages:

Increased field of view and precision: the magnification provided by the microscope allows the dentist to see the smallest details of the root canal, including hard-to-see side canals and microcracks. This improves diagnostic accuracy and helps to remove the entire infection.
Improved filling and restoration: microscopic root canal treatment allows more thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal, which improves the quality of the canal filling. This increases the chances that the final restoration – such as a crown – will fit tightly over the long term, reducing the risk of further infection.
Better visual control during treatment: one of the outstanding advantages of microscopic root canal treatment is the possibility of better visual control at all stages of treatment. Thanks to the magnification, the dentist is able to examine the root canal and its surroundings in detail, accurately identifying and removing infected tissue while preserving healthy parts of the tooth. This increased visual access helps to detect and treat any hidden problems, such as small cracks or additional canals that might otherwise remain hidden. This makes the treatment more thorough and targeted, increasing its effectiveness and reducing the risk of future complications.
Treatment convenience: the increased visibility and precision of microscopic root canal treatment reduces treatment time and improves its effectiveness, which generally results in less discomfort for the patient. In addition, greater accuracy of treatment can also reduce the chance of postoperative pain and discomfort.
Better treatment outcomes: the greater precision of the microscopic technique and better visual access increase the chances of successful root canal treatment, reducing the need for post-treatment complications and re-treatment.

Manual root canal therapy is the more traditional method of cleaning and shaping the root canal using manual tools.

Advantages:

High degree of control: hand tools allow the dentist to gently feel the shape and resistance of the canal, which can help identify different parts of the canal.
Reduced risk of canal over-forming: As the dentist has direct control over the movement of the instruments, the risk of over-forming the root canal or damaging the canal walls is reduced, especially in narrow or complex canals.
Flexible application: Hand needles are available in a variety of sizes and flexibility, allowing the dentist to tailor the treatment to the specific geometry of the canal, increasing the adaptability and effectiveness of the treatment.

Mechanical root canal treatment uses modern rotary tools that make root canal cleaning and shaping faster and more efficient. The mechanical tools create more uniform canal shapes and can reduce the time required for treatment.

Advantages:

Efficiency: mechanical root canal treatment allows faster and often more thorough cleaning than manual methods.
More uniform channel shaping: Machine rotary tools generally produce more uniform and smoother channel shapes, which optimises the placement of sealants in the channel and their long-term stability.
Shorter time: machine tools allow for faster cleaning and shaping, which can significantly reduce treatment time, so fewer sessions are needed to complete the entire root canal treatment process.

What will happen at the dentist first?

During the first visit, the dentist will perform a thorough examination, which may include X-rays to check the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone. Then, under local anaesthesia, infected or inflamed pulp tissue is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned. This prepares the area for further treatment.

What will be the next steps?

After removing the infected tissue and cleaning the root canal, the dentist shapes the canal to receive the sealant. The root canal is then filled with a special biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, which helps prevent re-infection. Once the treatment is complete, the tooth is temporarily or permanently sealed and, if necessary, a crown or other restorative dental solution is used to restore the tooth to its original form and function, ensuring its durability and aesthetic appearance. Post-root canal care is important to maintain the long-term health and function of the treated tooth.

How much does the treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment depends on whether it is manual, mechanical or microscopic.

Manual root canal: ~128,000 – 180,000 HUF (one tooth)

Mechanical root canal treatment: ~130,000 – 200,000 HUF (one tooth)

Microscopic root canal treatment: ~200,000 – 320,000 HUF (one tooth)

In the case of re-rooting of a previously root canal treated tooth, there is always an extra charge for the removal of the previous filling (~35,000 – 75,000 HUF).

The treatment fee includes the replacement of two medicated fillings. Subsequently, if the dentist deems an additional filling replacement necessary for the healing of the tooth, there is an additional fee (~ 39,000 HUF per replacement).

Let’s begin!

Dental specialist

Dr. Ágnes Balla

Dentist, microscopic root canal specialist

Dr. Zoltán Sáfrán

Dentist, root canal specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is root canal treatment painful?

Thanks to anaesthesia methods, root canal treatment is usually painless.

What are the consequences of not having a root canal?

Untreated inflammation can spread, leading to more serious infection and even tooth loss.

What determines how many canals need to be treated?

The number of channels to be treated depends on several factors that determine the complexity and length of the root canal treatment. These factors include:

The type of tooth: different types of teeth have different numbers of root canals. For example, front upper incisors usually have one canal, while upper molars have three or four. The number of canals to be treated therefore depends on which tooth needs root canal treatment.
Anatomy of the tooth: the root canal system of teeth may vary from one individual to another and some teeth may have extra canals that do not follow the typical anatomical pattern. These extra canals can easily avoid treatment if not properly identified.
The condition of the tooth: previous treatment of the tooth, such as previous fillings or crowns, and the condition of the bone and gums around the tooth can also affect how many canals need to be treated. Teeth that have undergone deep decay or damage may have more complex canal systems.
Previous root canal treatment: if the tooth has been previously treated with root canal therapy, additional canals not previously detected or untreated may need to be treated during re-treatment.

How long does root canal treatment take?

The duration of root canal treatment depends largely on the condition and complexity of the tooth to be treated. In a simple case, the treatment can usually be done in two sessions, each session lasting 1-2 hours. More complex cases, such as teeth with multiple canals, may require more appointments.

Why does pain develop after root canal treatment?

Pain after root canal treatment usually occurs because the treatment irritates the tissue around the tooth, especially inflamed or infected areas. Although root canal therapy is designed to eliminate the cause of the pain, mild pain or discomfort may occur early in the healing process. This is a normal reaction and usually subsides in a few days. Painkillers can help reduce discomfort during this period.

Can I eat and drink after root canal treatment?

Yes, you can eat and drink after root canal treatment, but it is important to wait until the local anaesthetic wears off to avoid accidental injuries from biting and chewing. Avoid eating foods that are too hard, sticky or crunchy for the first few days after treatment so as not to put stress on the treated tooth and the temporary seal.

When do I need a crown after a root canal?

In many cases it is recommended to place a crown on the root canal tooth, especially if a significant part of the tooth is damaged or missing. A crown helps protect the tooth from further damage, increases its strength and improves its aesthetic appearance. Your dentist will determine if a crown is needed for your specific case.

How long can a root canal tooth last?

The lifespan of root canal treated teeth can vary widely, depending, among other things, on the quality of the remaining tooth structure, the quality of the treatment and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. With proper treatment and care, a root canal tooth can last for decades, even a lifetime. It is important to ensure that the tooth is properly restored after root canal treatment – for example, strengthened with a crown – to increase its durability and resistance to everyday chewing and biting forces. Regular dental check-ups and thorough oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, are essential to maintain the long-term health of the root canal tooth.

Does the success of a root canal depend on age?

The success of root canal treatment is usually not directly related to age, but rather to the condition of the teeth and their health. In older patients, the root canals of the teeth may be narrower or more obstructed, which can sometimes make treatment more difficult, but modern dental techniques and instruments allow successful root canal treatment in all age groups. It is important for everyone, regardless of age, to visit their dentist regularly to identify and treat any dental problems early. Healthy oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups contribute significantly to the success of root canal treatment and dental treatment in general.

Can I do sports or physical activity after a root canal?

Usually, there are no restrictions on physical activity after root canal treatment, but it is best to avoid intense sports or strenuous activities for a few days while the treatment area heals. If you experience mild pain or discomfort during the first few days, it is recommended to rest and avoid activities that may increase these symptoms. Always follow your dentist’s advice and recommendations about the healing period and the appropriate timing of resuming activities.

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