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Dr. Thibaut Merit Explains How Root Canal Treatments Work
What Is A Root Canal Treatment?
Dr. Thibaut Merit Explains How Root Canal Treatments Work
A root canal is a painless treatment with a high success rate that gets you out of discomfort - fast!
When a tooth has been damaged or has become heavily decayed, bacteria and plaque can start attacking the sensitive and fragile nerve of the tooth.
This can be extremely painful and must be treated as soon as possible to prevent the risk of developing an abscess.
Root canal treatment aims at stopping any pain or infection by removing the sore part of the nerve and cleaning the bacteria out of the inside of the tooth.
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How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
We start by taking a 3D model of your tooth so we can see exactly what is going on inside.
The treatment works by clearing the infection caused by bacteria and plaque whilst also saving the tooth which is often badly decayed or traumatised.
To increase longevity, every tooth receives restoration on the day of treatment.
Restoring your tooth immediately after treatment reinforces the tooth's structural integrity and improves the treatment's long term outcome.
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Cost Of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment costs between €550-€800 per tooth. More information on our root canal treatment pricing can be found on our pricing page.
We also have a post on 'How Much Does Root Canal Cost?' which breaks cost down in more detail and provides information on insurance and payments plans.
Root canal treatments have a very high success rate which is evaluated at 90-95%. Dr. Thibaut Merit explains the root canal process further in this video.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Maintain Your Natural Smile
Limit The Need For Ongoing Dental Work
Most Root Canal Treatments Can Last A Lifetime
Virtually Painless
Avoid Extractions And 'Save' Your Tooth!
Stop Infection In The Root Of Your Tooth
Restore Your Smile And Prevent Tooth Discolouration
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure
- 1st Phase
- 2nd Phase
- Final Phase
- Our Technology
- More Information On Root Canal Treatments
1st Phase
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1st Phase
Your dentist will first examine your tooth by taking an x-ray of the root and the infection or sometimes a scanner which is a 3D visualisation of the tooth.
This lets the endodontist know the shape of your tooth, the scale of the infection, and provide extra information relevant to the treatment.
Once this is done, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort is felt during the rest of the procedure.
2nd Phase
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2nd Phase
Using an operatory microscope for a perfect gesture accuracy, a small hole is then drilled onto the top of the tooth, allowing access to the infection in the root pulp.
The decayed root pulp is then cleaned out using special tools and depending on the severity of the infection, the nerve may be removed.
This is a highly technical phase and may require some time depending on the type of tooth being worked on.
Typically, a molar treatment will take more time as the volume taken by the pulp is much larger than other teeth.
Final Phase
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Final Phase
Once cleaned, the tooth is then sterilised to prevent further infection and filled with a rubber-like material that acts as a replacement for the removed root pulp and seals off the roots.
The tooth is then either filled in with a regular cavity filling material or if the tooth has been damaged further, a dental crown is fitted on it to ensure it remains strong and doesn’t break or crack.
Our Technology
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Our Technology
Our dentists and endodontists use the most up-to-date practices and technology to help ensure your root canal treatment is efficient and effective.
We use a CBCT scanner to take a 3D model of your tooth.
We also use a microscope for our root canal treatments, leading to a higher success rate.
More Information On Root Canal Treatments
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More Information On Root Canal Treatments
A root canal treatment is the only option for patients to keep their tooth as the sole alternative is its the tooth removal.
It is a quiet procedure performed under local anesthesia and therefore, no pain should be expected during the treatment.
For more information on root canal treatments, check out our posts on:
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Check Out Our Happy Dental Patients
We have improved 100's of smiles using root canal treatments at our Dublin, Limerick and Galway clinics.
But don't take our word for it!
Commonly Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have a root canal treatment?
The anatomy of the nerves to be removed varies greatly from one tooth to another, therefore the time and techniques used to complete the procedure within the highest standards can be longer on a more complex tooth, then increasing the costs. Typically, a front tooth will take less time and cost less than a back tooth.
At 3Dental, prices range from €550 to €800 for all straightforward root canal treatments. In the case of a previously treated tooth, or when a tooth requires another specific endodontic procedure, the price may vary.
These special cases need to be assessed by an endodontist so all necessary information can be given to you prior to the treatment.
Also, check out our post on How Much Does Root Canal Cost?
Why do I need a root canal treatment?
There are many reasons why someone may need to have a root canal treatment. It is best to discuss this with the dentist.
How painful is a root canal?
There are many horror stories out there about root canal treatments.
Generally there is a slight discomfort with numbing of the gums but after that, you should feel very little pain.
How long does root canal treatment take?
This length of the treatment depends a lot on the anatomy of the tooth. Some teeth, such as the front teeth have one canal where a molar can have many.
How long do they last?
The length a root canal treatment depends on the care that you give the tooth. With good oral hygiene they can save the tooth and bone structure.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
A mild discomfort or pain can be present for a few hours up to a few days after the procedure, although taking common painkillers before the local anesthesia wears off prevents any discomfort from coming up.
In less than 5% of cases, an endodontic flare up can happen where the tooth and gums can be sore and sometimes swollen for a week or so. This occurs randomly but very rarely, and when it does, the prognosis of the root canal treatment is not affected.
Is the tooth dead after a root canal?
When a tooth needs a root canal treatment, the nerve inside the tooth is in the process of dying. The procedure aims at removing the suffering nerve from the tooth and/or at disinfecting the tooth to remove the bacteria causing infection.
The root canal treatment allows the tooth structure to be maintained as a part of the jaw and mouth, but the nerves inside are gone, meaning that the tooth can not feel the cold anymore, for example.
Should I get a root canal or extraction?
Nothing feels or functions like a natural tooth. A root canal treatment is most of the time the only way for you to keep your natural tooth, as the only alternative is an extraction.
It is a purely medical procedure and as such, its success is a matter of balance between the quality of the treatment and the body's response to it.
Its success rate is evaluated at 90-95%, and in the rare cases the root canal treatment fails, there are still options left to keep the tooth in.
Having a tooth extracted can lead to a lot more hassle in the long run if the tooth is not replaced with a prosthetic one. Then again, as the natural tooth failed in the first place, any prosthetic restoration, whether it is a bridge or an implant, can fail as well.
There is no ultimate bulletproof option and when in doubt, best is to discuss it with your dentist at 3Dental.
Is root canal treatment available near me?
Yes! We provide root canal treatments in each of our three clinics - Dublin, Limerick and Galway.
Book your free consultation today! We look forward to welcoming you in person soon :)
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